“Small towns in America are generational, and that adds to their uniqueness. It makes those of us who move in crave to be a part of that history, especially here in Osceola,” said John Hoag, plant manager of Osceola Food. “Whether you’ve been born and raised here or not, everyone gets to share in the traditions and culture of a small town.”
What today is known as Osceola Food, LLC, has been a part of the town’s history since 1972 when it was originally built for the Jimmy Dean Meat Company. In 1984, Sara Lee Corporation acquired Jimmy Dean and in 1992, announced it would close its facility in Osceola, leaving many devastated employees without a job. The facility sat vacant until 1996 when Hormel Foods began production, having purchased it the year before.
Today, the facility is more than triple the size of its original footprint and covers in excess of 360,000 square feet. More than 900 people are employed at the facility, and it runs a 24/7 continuous operation that produces a variety of products for foodservice and retail consumers around the nation, including Hormel® Bacon 1™ perfectly cooked bacon, Hormel® Old Smokehouse® bacon, Hormel® Natural Choice® and Bread Ready® lunch meats, bone-in spiral hams and Hormel Gatherings® party trays.
Serving as the largest employer in Osceola and in Clarke County, Osceola Food takes great pride in the community and surrounding areas. Whether it is giving donations to local food banks or charities, participating in the trunk-or-treat program, attending local veterans affairs events, providing a float for the Fourth of July celebration or supporting local schools, the team makes a difference in the lives of many now and for the future.