LANSING, ILL. — Makowski’s Real Sausage Co. celebrated the groundbreaking of its new facility in Lansing, Ill., on Feb. 27. After operating in the Chicago area for nearly a century, the sausage company is embarking on a major change by moving to a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lansing. 

“We are going through a significant transition after being rooted at 2710 S Poplar Ave. for so long,” said Nicole Makowski, president of Makowski’s Real Sausage Co. “It’s bittersweet to leave a location with such a rich history, but the decision to move to a new plant in Lansing, Ill., with improved production areas, which embraces our food safety, is a strong step forward.”

Makowski’s Real Sausage looks to complete construction in the third quarter of 2025. The company partnered with development firm The Missner Group on the project’s construction phase.

The project will transform a 26,800-square-foot warehouse into a sausage manufacturing plant through both interior and exterior renovations. An adjacent office building will also be renovated, providing a modernized workspace for Makowski’s operations.

The scope of the project will include significant mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, new production areas, and enhanced infrastructure to support Makowski’s specialized manufacturing processes. The office renovations will focus on creating a modern, functional space that reflects the company’s heritage while supporting its future growth.

Read the complete profile of Nicole Makowski from MEAT+POULTRY's 2018 edition.