The Maschhoffs ranks in top 10 on global production scale
CARLYLE — Folks in Illinois have long known that The Maschhoffs is one of the larger and more progressive pork production companies in the United States. It’s also one of the largest in the world.
The company, owned by the fifth-generation of Maschhoffs, Ken and Dave; and their wives, Julie and Karen, has been in business in Clinton County for more than 40 years. Recently, a research group studied the largest pork producers in the world and compiled a list, ranking The Maschhoffs No. 9 in production worldwide among 27 producers with at least 100,000 sows.
“In college in the ‘70s, I thought a lot about what it would be like to be the number one pork producer in Illinois,” co-owner and chairman Ken Maschhoff says. “At the time, Tyson foods was the largest pork producer and I always admired their size and scope. Now we’re 25 times what they were at the time and ranking on a global scale. It’s a tremendously humbling experience to think that two boys from Southern Illinois have grown to this level.”
In addition to topping global lists, The Maschhoffs is the largest family-owned pork producer in the world. The fifth-generation currently owns and operates the company with some of the sixth-generation of Maschhoffs, Josh, Ryan and Ryan’s wife Amy, working in the family business as well.
Outside of the pork business, the family has other ownership interests in companies ranging from asphalt and paving to fire safety and security systems.
The Maschhoffs is also considered one of the largest, and fastest-growing privately-held company in the region.
The Clinton County-based business now operates in nine states with roughly 1,300 employees, boasting a number four ranking in the United States with just shy of 220,000 sows. The Clinton/Washington county operations make up 3 percent of total operations and more than 12 percent of employment.
“We could not be successful without our people helping to make this business what it is,” Maschhoff says. “The sheer expertise and dedication of our employees and Production Partners, coupled with volume and innovation, is what keeps us competitive in the industry. We strive to stay competitive as the global pork industry grows in the coming years.”
To view the list in its entirety, visit http://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/global-mega-producer.
PHOTO: The family recently took time to reflect on the early days of the company and on building The Maschhoffs to be the ninth-largest pork producer in the world for an article with Top Producer. From left: JoAnn Alumbaugh with Top Producer, Ken Maschhoff, Julie Maschhoff, Dave Maschhoff and Karen Maschhoff.
— The Illinois Business Journal welcomes articles of interest to Southwestern Illinois. Send them to Dennis Grubaugh, dgrubaugh@ibjonline.com
