More jobs are coming to Moniteau County and folks can thank Burgers' Smokehouse for that.
Steven Burger, president, said, "We rely heavily on our dedicated work force and are pleased to continue investing in jobs right here in Central Missouri. Our centralized location is ideal for shipping to our national customer base."
But right now, Burger cannot venture a guess as to exactly how many new hires will be needed.
"It's hard to give a specific number," he said, "but we will hire locally in Moniteau County and adjacent counties."
Currently, the smokehouse employs 200 people.
This is just one reason Burgers' Smokehouse has just started building a new, three-story plant, right next to its existing facilities. A 40,000-square-foot expansion, located at the same location as the current 300,000-square-foot production facility, will include space for both production and shipping of products. The first floor will house the production of country ham.
"We had such a demand," Burger explained, "we had to produce more."
The new facility will allow Burgers' to cure more than half a million county hams a year.
The second and third floors will add additional shipping and storage.
"To satisfy a lot more mail order business," Burger said.
Construction is expected to be completed by November of 2017, but the schedule is tight.
"We are humbled and honored that our customers recognize the quality and workmanship we strive for in every product we make," Burger said, "and that they've rewarded us with additional business that supports this plant expansion."
The company has provided specialty meats and foods since 1927, but 1952 usually has been recognized as the "official" start date of the Burgers' Smokehouse company specifically.
"My grandfather started the whole process," Burger explained, "and it grew into a 4th-generation family business."
The company sells cured and smoked hams, along with bacon, poultry, summer sausage, and more than a dozen additional specialty meat items, to grocery stores, restaurants, and directly to consumers through mail order and e-commerce.
Burgers' Smokehouse is located at 32819 Hwy. 87 in California. Its phone number is 800-345-5185; and its fax number is 573-796-3137. Its website can be found at www.smokehouse.com.