Western’s Smokehouse acquires private label meat snack producer

Greentop, Mo.-based Western’s Smokehouse has acquired Thrushwood Farms of Galesburg, Ill., expanding its production of private label meat snacks sticks, strips, bars, bites and more.

The two companies have experience producing premium meats such as 100% grass-fed beef, antibiotic turkey, chicken and pork, and pet treats.

Doug Hankes, vice president at Thrushwood Farms and a new shareholder in Western’s Smokehouse said the companies date back to knowing one another for decades. Part of the deal does close a local Thrushwood Farms store to focus more on the snack stick business. An independent investment group, Charis Consumer Partners, supports both companies.

"Dating back 40 years, both companies have had tremendous mutual respect," said Ben Rudman, president of Western's Smokehouse and partner at Charis Consumer Partners. "The Hankes family is a pillar of the Galesburg community and the meat processing industry. We are obsessed with delighting consumers and helping our private label customers win, and the Thrushwood team will help us do both."

Rudman added: "On a combined basis, we now have more capacity, capability and innovation resources to help our customers grow."