Years ago, when Matt Bormann, chief executive officer of Western Smokehouse Partners, would drive through town, he would call or text Doug Hankes, chief operating officer, to tell him that they needed a plant in Mexico.
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![Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Gowin presents Western Smokehouse Partners Chief Operating Officer Doug Hankes with the 2025 Commerce and Industry Award at the annual banquet on Nov. 4. [Sky Strauss]](https://beta.creativecirclecdn.com/mexicoledger/original/20251111-155117-730-Matt%20Gowin%20and%20Doug%20Hankes-1.jpg)
Years ago, when Matt Bormann, chief executive officer of Western Smokehouse Partners, would drive through town, he would call or text Doug Hankes, chief operating officer, to tell him that they needed a plant in Mexico.
Western Smokehouse Partners was recognized as the 2025 Commerce and Industry Award honoree at the annual Commerce and Industry Banquet on Nov. 4.
“We wish we had this much excitement everywhere whenever we go into a new facility and meet new people in the industry,” Hankes said upon receiving the award. “The area truly is a remarkable area.”
After nearly a year of renovations to the former Soft Surroundings warehouse, Western Smokehouse Partners began producing meat snacks with its industry partner CHOMPS in August. The plant represents a $60 million investment that has brought hundreds of jobs to Mexico, and the company is on track to complete phase two of renovations in June 2026.
“Receiving the Commerce and Industry Award from the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce is truly an honor for our company and our employees,” Bormann said in a press release. “Since beginning construction in 2024, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from the Mexico community and inspired by the incredible team we’ve built. Our employees have brought passion and skill to their work each day and have embraced opportunities to represent Western Smokehouse Partners at local events. This award reflects the dedication of our team members, the strong partnerships we’ve formed and our ongoing commitment to investing in the communities where we operate.”
Mayor Steve Haag was serving as a city council member when Soft Surroundings left Mexico. He recounted a time when he and his fellow council members were worried about the loss knowing that they would need to attract more business to Mexico.
“I don’t know if we could have dreamed of a better business to come in there,” Haag said. “We’re just truly excited to have Western Smokehouse.”
He presented Western Smokehouse Partners with a proclamation from the city.
Western Smokehouse Partners was also honored with a proclamation from state Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin that was presented by state Rep. Kent Haden who had his own proclamation and congratulations from the House of Representatives.
“I actually did inspections in the Greentop facility when I was a veterinarian, and it was always a really good experience,” Haden said. “They were always tip top and we’re fortunate to have them here in Mexico.
Matt Gowin, chamber president highlighted the four local businesses that received the 2025 Excellence in Business Award — Ennis Implement, Jason’s Top Shelf, Century 21 and Dos Arcos. He announced at the banquet that the winner of the E. Warner Williams Business Service award was Jason’s Top Shelf at the banquet as well.
