CHEROKEE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – Lopez Foods held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Cherokee processing facility Thursday to celebrate the completion of a major expansion project.

The event brought together company executives, employees, local officials, economic development leaders and state legislators to recognize the addition of a new fully cooked sausage production line.

The $45 million expansion was first announced in October 2024 as Lopez Foods marked five years of operations in Cherokee.

Lopez Dorada CEO Pancho Gonzalez says the project marks a major milestone for the company.

 

The Cherokee facility has a long history in the community, dating back to 1965 when it opened as a Wilson Foods processing plant. Following several ownership changes and periods of closure, Lopez Foods purchased the facility in 2019 and resumed production the following year.

State Senator Lynn Evans said the investment represents more than just an expansion of the facility.

 

Lopez officials say they continue to seek additional business opportunities that could lead to future expansion and job growth.

Gonzalez said the company intends to keep investing in both its workforce and the Cherokee community.

 

Company leaders said the new production line is expected to increase capacity and help position the Cherokee facility for additional growth in the years ahead.