Expansion Project in Galesburg
As first published by Jay Redfern for WGIL.
A company that specializes in the production and distribution of crafted meat snacks plans a nearly $50 million expansion project in Galesburg, a move that’s expected to create between 150 and 180 manufacturing jobs and breathe new life into the unused portion of the former Maytag facility.
Aldermen at the Oct. 7 meeting of the Galesburg City Council will consider a $1 million development agreement with Thrushwood Farms Quality Meats, Inc., a subsidiary of Western Smokehouse Partners. The economic support from the city would facilitate the viability of the project moving forward in the community.
Western Smokehouse Partners has executed a 10-year lease for 179,000 square feet of the former Maytag facility on Monmouth Boulevard. The move will allow for expansion of food production operations and initially create 150 – 180 new manufacturing jobs and generate $45 – $50 million in investment.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Galesburg to aid in the development of a locally founded business and foster their continued growth within our community,” City Manager Eric Hanson said in a news release.
“Significant long-term investment in jobs and facilities within our community, such as this, serve as economic drivers, benefitting the community as a whole through increased economic investment and prosperity.”
Thrushwood Farms was founded in Galesburg in 1978 as a local meat processing plant. The operation has grown and adapted over time, including cultivating a specialization in snack stick production.
In 2020, Thrushwood Farms became part of Western Smokehouse Partners, and the companies have continued to grow together since that time, including recently executing a 10-year lease to locate the Western Smokehouse Partners headquarters at 56 S. Kellogg St. in Galesburg.
As part of that project, Western Smokehouse Partners entered into a development agreement with the City of Galesburg in May of 2024, in which the City provided $300,000 to aid in the local expansion that included a 10-year lease for their headquarters in Galesburg, retaining seven headquarter jobs with a minimum payroll of $500,000, creating 10 headquarters jobs with a minimum payroll of $1 million, and creating 15 manufacturing jobs with a minimum payroll of $675,000.
The previously announced expansion project creates 32 local jobs with a total positive economic impact of $2,175,000.
About Phoenix Investors
Founded by Frank P. Crivello in 1994, Phoenix Investors and its affiliates (collectively “Phoenix”) are a leader in the acquisition, development, renovation, and repositioning of industrial facilities throughout the United States. Utilizing a disciplined investment approach and successful partnerships with institutional capital sources, corporations and public stakeholders, Phoenix has developed a proven record of accomplishment of generating superior risk adjusted returns, while providing cost-efficient lease rates for its growing portfolio of national tenants. Its efforts inspire and drive the transformation and reinvigoration of the economic engines in the communities it serves. Phoenix continues to be defined by thoughtful relationships, sophisticated investment tools, cost efficient solutions, and a reputation for success.
Frank P. Crivello is a Milwaukee-based developer and Chairman & Founder of Phoenix Investors.
