Jennings Premium Meats invests US$2M to expand processing facility

USA – Jennings Premium Meats is expanding its meat processing facility in New Franklin, Missouri, with a new addition aimed at increasing snack stick production.

The company is constructing a 4,800-square-foot manufacturing space to enhance its processing capabilities. 

The project, valued at approximately US$2 million, is partially funded through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture program under the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

Construction is expected to be completed by July 1. Jennings Premium Meats’ third-generation owner and operator, Jason Jennings, said the expansion is part of the company’s strategy to grow production capacity and strengthen its operations.

With the additional space, the facility’s total footprint will reach about 45,000 square feet, which includes a separate warehouse for dry goods and refrigerated storage. 

Over the past year, the company has increased its production volume by approximately 60%.

This is the second expansion in recent years. 

In 2021, Jennings Premium Meats upgraded its facility to improve packaging and further processing operations. 

The current project will add multiple smokehouses to increase cooking capacity.

The expansion will also provide additional locker room facilities for the company’s 35 employees. 

More space will be designated for cutting and preparing snack sticks before packaging.

Jennings Premium Meats was founded in 1954 and has grown from a local butcher shop into a retail and private-label meat manufacturer. 

The company operates from its original location and produces a range of products, including hams, bacon, jerky, and sausages.

Its primary focus is on manufacturing Pop’s Snack Sticks, along with producing meat products for private-label brands.

That said, North America has the largest share of the global meat snacks market, including the United States. 

In 2023, North America held more than 38% of the market share. 

Major meat snack companies in the US include Jack Link’s LLC, Conagra Brands, Oberto Sausage, and Hormel Foods Corporation. 

Major distribution channels in the country include Convenience stores, Hypermarkets, e-commerce, and Special stores. 

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