Jennings Premium Meats, a family-owned meat processor based in New Franklin, Missouri, has announced a $2 million expansion aimed at increasing its snack stick processing capacity. The company recently broke ground on a 4,800-square-foot addition to its facility, which is expected to be completed by July 1. This expansion will bring the company’s total footprint to approximately 45,000 square feet.
The project is partially funded by a grant through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture program from the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.
Continued Growth in Meat Processing
Jason Jennings, third-generation owner and operator, emphasized the expansion’s role in driving company growth:
“This expansion is the next step in building our capacity and continuing to grow the company.”
The new facility will include additional smokehouses, expanded locker rooms to improve workplace amenities for employees, and enhanced space for cutting and preparing snack sticks prior to packaging. Over the past year, Jennings Premium Meats has increased its production volume by approximately 60%.
Decades of Excellence in Meat Processing
Jennings Premium Meats was founded in 1954 by Oscar “Pop” Jennings and his brother-in-law Orville Struchtemeyer. Originally a local butcher shop, the company has evolved into a premier meat processor producing award-winning hams, bacon, jerky, and sausages.
In 1968, Pop’s son Keith Jennings joined the business, expanding its operations into the retail meat market. Keith was actively involved in trade organizations, serving as president of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors and earning a place in their Hall of Fame.
Jason Jennings entered the business in 1988, ushering in further innovation. Under his leadership, Jennings Premium Meats has introduced new processed products, including Pop’s Snack Sticks, which have become a flagship product. Jason has also held leadership roles in industry associations, receiving the Richard L. Knowlton Innovation Award in 2011 for outstanding contributions to the meat processing trade.
Commitment to Quality and Expansion
With a strong foundation and commitment to quality, Jennings Premium Meats continues to innovate and expand. The 2025 expansion project is another milestone in the company’s journey, ensuring continued success in the evolving meat processing industry.
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