Chamber Press Releases

Western Smokehouse Partners recognized as the 40th Annual Commerce & Industry Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce To Honor Western Smokehouse Partners at the 40th Annual Commerce & Industry Appreciation Banquet

Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mexico proudly announce the 40th Annual Commerce & Industry Appreciation Banquet, to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Mexico, Missouri. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are $45.00 per person. Kindly register early as seating is limited. RSVPs are requested by October 22, 2025, by calling the Chamber at 573.581.2765 or mailing payment with reservation information to 100 West Jackson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Western Smokehouse Partners is the world’s largest manufacturer of better-for-you meat snacks, specializing in meat sticks and jerky. The company currently operates seven facilities across the United States, including locations in Burlington, Iowa; Greentop, Missouri; two facilities in Galesburg, Illinois; Shelley, Idaho; Springfield, Illinois; and its newest plant in Mexico, Missouri. Together, these facilities encompass more than one million square feet and employ over 1,175 people, an increase of more than 400 new jobs by the end of 2025. Across all their locations, Western Smokehouse Partners will soon produce more than four million meat sticks per day.

The Mexico facility represents a $60 million investment in facility improvements and state-of-the-art equipment. Production began in August 2025 in the 300,000-square-foot plant, which currently employs more than 90 people and will ultimately employ 250 at full production capacity. This facility will focus on producing meat sticks for CHOMPS, manufacturing more than 310 million meat sticks annually once fully operational. Phase 2 of construction is scheduled for completion in June 2026.

“Receiving the Commerce and Industry Award from the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce is truly an honor for our company and our employees. Since beginning construction in 2024, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from the Mexico community and inspired by the incredible team we’ve built. Our employees have brought passion and skill to their work each day and have embraced opportunities to represent Western Smokehouse Partners at local events. This award reflects the dedication of our team members, the strong partnerships we’ve formed, and our ongoing commitment to investing in the communities where we operate,” said Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners.

Western Smokehouse Partner’s legacy traces back to 1978 with the founding of Western’s Smokehouse in Greentop, Missouri, and Thrushwood Farms in Galesburg, Illinois. The two companies merged in 2019 to form Western Smokehouse Partners, which has since experienced rapid growth through strategic acquisitions and expansions across the country.

In addition to honoring Western Smokehouse Partners, the banquet will also recognize the four 2025 Quarterly Excellence in Business Award winners, Jason’s Top Shelf, Ennis Implement, Century 21 Peak-Marking & Associates Inc., and Dos Arcos. One of these businesses will be named the recipient of the prestigious E. Warner Williams Business Service Award.