Western Smokehouse Partners, the leading co-manufacturer of better-for-you meat snacks, announced today that it will establish a new manufacturing facility in Mexico, investing more than $67 million and creating 280 new jobs.
“Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility in Mexico is exciting news for the community and our state,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s success is yet another example of the rapid growth of Missouri’s thriving manufacturing industry. We’re pleased to see a quality employer like Western Smokehouse Partners continuing to expand, create jobs, and make a positive difference for Missourians.”
Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility in Mexico will span 300,000 square feet and specialize in the production of CHOMPS brand meat sticks. The location will feature state-of-the-art equipment and is expected to open by the end of summer 2025.
“We are very excited to continue our growth by opening this new plant in partnership with CHOMPS,” said Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners. “The City of Mexico and State of Missouri’s welcoming and support was essential to our decision to further expand our presence in Missouri. This expansion is a testament to our dedication to meeting the growing demand for better-for-you meat snacks and we look forward to growing in this location for years to come.”
Western Smokehouse Partners began in Greentop as two companies founded by Sam Western and Jim Hankes in 1978. A shared passion for meat snacks resulted in a combined company dedicated to premium products, customer satisfaction, and world-class hospitality. Today, Western Smokehouse Partners continues to grow with a reputation for quality and excellence. After the establishment of its Mexico location, the company will operate a total of six facilities with more than 1,100 employees.
New jobs added as part of Western Smokehouse Partners’ new facility will pay an average wage well above the county average.
“We’re proud to support Western Smokehouse Partners as it embarks on the latest chapter of its Missouri-made success story,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This leading manufacturer is once again demonstrating its ability to help Missourians prosper through an ongoing commitment to quality, growth, and community partnership.”
For this expansion, Western Smokehouse Partners will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
What others are saying
“We are thrilled to welcome Western Smokehouse Partners and CHOMPS to our community,” said Mexico Mayor Vicki Briggs. “The creation of 280 new jobs is not just an investment in our local economy, but a testament to the skilled workforce and strong business environment here in Mexico. This partnership will have a lasting positive impact on our community, and we look forward to seeing the growth and opportunities it will bring.”
“Western Smokehouse Partners’ decision to expand in Mexico is a significant milestone for our city,” said Mexico City Manager Bruce Slagle. “This development underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and providing quality jobs for our residents. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring and look forward to supporting Western Smokehouse Partners and CHOMPS in their continued success.”
About Western Smokehouse Partners
Western Smokehouse Partners is the leading co-manufacturer of better-for-you meat snacks, with manufacturing plants in Greentop, MO, Galesburg, IL, Springfield, IL, Burlington, IA, and Shelley, ID. Western serves the leading brands and top retailers in the better-for-you meat snacking space. The business is built on partnering with family-owned meat processors, investing and growing in small communities, and creating great jobs in the meat industry.
To learn more about Western Smokehouse Partners, visit wspartners.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.