Reading, Pa. — The Greater Reading Economic Partnership (GREP) recently announced the relocation of Lone Star Western Beef Inc., a beef jerky manufacturing company, to Greater Reading in Muhlenberg Township, Pennsylvania.
The impetus to move came when the company’s original West Virginia facility reached production capacity. Lone Star Western Beef Inc. looked to the Greater Reading area to find their new home. The company located its new 9,000 square foot facility in an existing building at 115 Little Rock Road in Muhlenberg Township.
“There were many reasons why we wanted to be in Berks County,” said JP Bachman, Vice President of Lone Star Western Beef Inc., “the number one reason is access — access to reasonably priced real estate and access to a large labor force.”
Bachman also noted the company’s desire to be the only beef jerky company located in Berks County as an important part of their decision making process. “GREP supported us throughout the entire relocation process and provided a lot of insight on Berks County which made us feel as though we made the right decision, ” he said.
The company's products are currently sold direct to consumer on the company's e-commerce website, at the company’s 115 Little Rock Road facility, and in over 10,000 retail stores in the United States. Lone Star currently employs fourteen people and plans to create up to 21 additional jobs, totaling 35 people.
“We are pleased to welcome this company to Greater Reading. Their location choice proves that Greater Reading is a smart and competitive choice that delivers not only an affordable location, but also a diverse workforce,” said Jon Scott, Greater Reading Economic Partnership, President and CEO.
