Lunchmeat manufacturer Carl Buddig & Co. is expanding in the Illinois area after recently purchasing the former Butterball plant in Montgomery.
Homewood-based Buddig said Monday that it has acquired the 280,000-square-foot facility with an eye toward increasing its footprint across the industry.
“Since the old operation ceased, my administration has been working tirelessly to get this facility up and running again for the great folks of Montgomery,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said in a press release heralding the development. “I am thrilled to have a homegrown Illinois company like Buddig expanding within our state and bringing this facility back to life.”
Sen. Jim Oberweis
Buddig CEO Bob Buddig intimated that the expansion was a no-brainer.
“With our customers’ demand for great-tasting Buddig products, it was vital that we increase our manufacturing facilities,” he added in the release. “The Montgomery facility is our fourth manufacturing facility in Illinois, and we look forward to starting production there this spring.”
Buddig is expected to have no problems getting the plant up to speed. Over the first two years, the company's expansion is expected to create 250 jobs, with the plant increasing to at least 350 staffers by year five. Across Illinois, the company employs more than 1,200 workers.
State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) and Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) are also credited with working to bring the project to Montgomery, with Oberweis adding it was all about the economy.
“Manufacturing, especially food processing, remains a staple of the Illinois economy,” Oberweis said. “It was essential to get this facility back in operation for the people of Montgomery, and I look forward to supporting Buddig’s success.”
While hailing the development as a “great day,” Wheeler further saluted Buddig for its investment in the community.
“This is a great day for the village of Montgomery,” he said. “I am thrilled to welcome Buddig into the 50th (House) District and look forward to seeing this facility filled once again.”
Illinois beat out Indiana in landing the plant, a feat that was not lost on Illinois Manufacturers' Association Vice President Mark Denzler.
“Any time an Illinois manufacturer is able to expand, especially within our borders, is a case for celebration,” Denzler said in the release.
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