Galesburg is now the heart of America’s meat snack revolution.
Western Smokehouse Partners — the world’s largest producer of better-for-you meat sticks — is investing $72 million in two Galesburg facilities, creating 200–230 new full-time jobs and revitalizing the former Maytag site.
In an exclusive WGIL Galesburg’s Morning News interview, COO Doug Hankes, a Galesburg native, shared why the company chose Galesburg over other states and what’s next.
The Two Expansions
Monmouth Blvd. (former Maytag plant)
• $50 million investment
• 150–180 new jobs
• Production began September 2025
• Focused on Sweetwood Fatty pork & beef sticks for one major customer
• Second shift already added due to demand
West Main (original Thrushwood)
• $22 million upgrade
• 50 new jobs
• Wraps up October 2025
• New automation, packaging lines, and capacity
• Produces for 6+ brands; supports Monmouth Boulevard plant
Why Galesburg?
“The people here have pride in what they do… Galesburg gave so much to me and so many others. We’re investing back to create careers for the next generation.”
— Doug Hankes, COO
- Skilled workforce with manufacturing heritage
- Perfect infrastructure — Maytag building was an ideal “shell” for food-grade build-out
- Strong local support from city leaders and KCAP
- Corporate HQ stays in Galesburg — now over 400 local employees
Inside the Process: 48 Hours from Meat to Stick
- USDA-inspected pork & beef arrives
- Ground and blended with zero-sugar seasonings
- Stuffed into casings, smoked in massive ovens
- Cut, packaged, shipped — 4 million sticks daily nationwide
- Galesburg plants on pace for 1.2 billion sticks in 2026
Now Hiring — Careers, Not Just Jobs
- Starting pay: ~$19/hour + full benefits
- Roles: Packaging, quality, maintenance, smokehouse operators, R&D
- Culture: Internal promotions — “We want you to have a career”
- Apply: WSpartners.com | Job boards | QR codes at plants
🎧 Listen: Full 20-minute interview with Doug Hankes
Previously on WGIL
