SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. – Johnsonville Sausage, LLC, announced it has broken ground on an expansion of one of the company’s facilities in Sheboygan Falls.

The expansion will add more than 40,000 sq. ft. that will be used for innovation and new product development at Johnsonville's smoked-cooked manufacturing plant. Construction on the facility is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2013.

“For more than 65 years, Johnsonville has had a tradition of meeting and exceeding consumers’ demand for the highest-quality sausage products available,” said Bill Morgan, Johnsonville president. “As our consumers’ tastes and preferences grow and evolve, we continue to innovate, ensuring we satisfy those evolving tastes and provide folks with the products they desire.”

Morgan said the new addition to the company’s existing facility will provide additional opportunities for Johnsonville to innovate and meet consumer demand. Also, the expansion will add nearly 35 full-time positions at Johnsonville’s Sheboygan Falls campus. Johnsonville currently employs nearly 900 members throughout the four facilities on its Sheboygan Falls campus.

“The reason Johnsonville has grown and achieved the success we have over the years is the great members we have working throughout our organization,” said Steve Johnson, Johnsonville vice president of operations. “Johnsonville members have proven to be some of the most dedicated, high-quality sausage makers in the world. That’s why we’re excited to have this opportunity to again grow and invest in our business, as well as in our members and the community, through this new expansion.”