FRANKLIN, WIS. – Strauss Brands Inc., a Wisconsin-based meat processor, announced on June 4 that it would be closing its grass-fed beef production line in Franklin, Wis., and moving it to Mundelein, Ill.-based Ruprecht, a division of Kilcoy Global Foods.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website, 70 people will be laid off beginning Aug. 5 due to the Franklin facility closure.

The company added that it’s fully committed to supporting and assisting all affected employees during the process.

“Our employees are the heartbeat of our organization, and their unwavering dedication and commitment have been the cornerstone of our success,” said Dave Wiggins, chief executive officer of Strauss Brands. “We are forever grateful. As we embark on this new chapter, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for our valued team members.”

The company added that relocating the production line would allow Strauss to leverage Ruprecht’s state-of-the-art processing facility, which continues to be upgraded with the latest advancements in technology and food safety.

“Along with the Eddy Foods partnership, this move represents a necessary step in growing our grass-fed beef product line,” Wiggins said. “The decision to relocate production to Ruprecht was made after a meticulous evaluation of various options, with a paramount focus on ensuring continued quality and seamless customer service.”

Under the Eddy Foods partnership, Strauss plans to expand grass-fed beef product lines. Eddy Foods operates two facilities in Yoakum, Texas, and Greenwood, SC and distributes nationwide.

The latest move comes after Strauss agreed to sell its veal and lamb business lines to the Catelli Brothers Family of Foods, a subsidiary of Canadian-based Preval AG, in October 2023.

Strauss Brands is a third-generation company that has operated for 86 years.