Momence, IL – A major employer in Kankakee County is closing its doors this week, as Johnsonville LLC officially shuts down its meat processing plant in Momence, Illinois, affecting 274 workers.
According to a statement from Johnsonville’s corporate headquarters, the company made the “difficult decision” to close the facility immediately. Employees were notified in person and will continue to receive pay and benefits for 60 days, with additional separation packages under discussion in the coming weeks.
The Momence plant, which opened in 1962 and has been producing Johnsonville products since 1995, is expected to be demolished by the end of 2025. Company officials said the decision followed a thorough evaluation of how best to optimize Johnsonville’s operations to support long-term growth.
Work from the Momence site will be redistributed to three other Johnsonville facilities—two in Wisconsin and one in Kansas. The expansion is expected to create between 90 and 100 new jobs by the third quarter of this year. Specifically, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, will gain 20 to 25 new positions, while Watertown, Wisconsin, will add between 70 and 75 jobs.
Johnsonville also confirmed that equipment and other assets from the shuttered Illinois facility will be transferred to these locations as part of the transition.
No further layoffs or closures have been announced by the company at this time.
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