Strauss Brands to Shutter Franklin Meat Plant, Lay Off 70 Workers

FRANKLIN, Wis. (Civic Media) — A longtime meat packing operation in Franklin is shutting down, with Strauss Brands announcing the closure of its plant and layoffs for 70 workers.

The company says it plans to relocate production of its grass-fed beef line to Ruprecht, a division of Kilcoy Global Foods in Mundelein, Illinois. Strauss cited the need to grow its grass-fed product offerings and ensure quality as driving factors.

“This move represents a necessary step in growing our grass-fed beef product line,” said Strauss Brands CEO Dave Wiggins, adding that the company is committed to supporting affected employees, calling them “the heartbeat of our organization” whose “unwavering dedication and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success.”

The company filed the legally required layoff notice with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on June 4, stating the permanent job cuts will occur around Aug. 5. Most of the affected union positions are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1473.

The closure caps years of efforts by the third-generation, family-owned company to relocate within the Milwaukee area amid its changing business model. Strauss had previously sought to move to Milwaukee’s Century City business park, but that proposal was scrapped in 2019 following protests over concerns about odors and other impacts of a slaughterhouse operation.

The company later had multiple proposals to move to a site on Loomis Road in Franklin, but dropped those plans in 2022 after people living in the area filed a lawsuit resulting in a public hearing.

The company said it will work to ensure “a seamless transition” for employees affected by the closure of the facility on 60th Street in Franklin.