Johnsonville Moves 100 Jobs from Illinois to Wisconsin

A company synonymous with brats and all things sausages is moving operations from a small town in eastern Illinois to Wisconsin.

When you think Johnsonville, you think brats. At least I do. Apropos of nothing, my favorite Johnsonville product has to be their Firecracker Brats, which have hot peppers packed into the sausage. The downside? They're only available during/around the Fourth of July. I don't care if it's December, I would happily stock my freezer with them year-round if I could.

On June 2nd, 2025, Johnsonville announced the closure of its Momence, IL plant, which was built all the way back in 1962. Johnsonville has occupied the plant since 1995. Consequently, 274 employees were impacted by its closure. Per WTMJ, the company issued a statement:

[Johnsonville] determined it could best optimize its fresh sausage operations at its other, newer, locations in Wisconsin and Kansas, where Johnsonville will invest to accommodate the additional volume and position the company to address current and future growth - Johnsonville's statement, per WTMJ

Johnsonville has since expanded operations to Watertown, WI in a facility that will add a second shift and about 75 new jobs to the community. Meanwhile, their facility in Sheboygan Falls added about 25 new jobs with hiring already in progress and set to last through the summer.

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Johnsonville is already making an impact in the Wisconsin community, purchasing a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers and becoming the official sausage sponsor of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Johnsonville plans to demolish the Momence facility by the end of the year, as its age and current state likely demands a fresh start. The company has also started the process of transferring some of its equipment and assets to their new manufacturing locations in Watertown and Sheboygan Falls.

Those interested in applying for Johnsonville jobs in this region can apply on their official website. Read more about Johnsonville moving operations from Illinois to Wisconsin on WTMJ's website.