Frichtl Processing and Slaughtering to Build New Plant in Dieterich

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Frichtl Processing and Slaughtering and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tuesday announced an agreement for an expansion of the company.

The governor and DCEO announced an EDGE agreement for Frichtl's $2.5 million investment in capital expenditures for the company's expansion. The investment will enable Frichtl to purchase space in Dieterich's Industrial Park East and construct a 9,227-square-foot meat processing and packaging facility.

Bolstered by State incentives, Frichtl will construct a new facility to improve processing efficiency with state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, this innovative project features a front retail store that includes a variety of essential departments to meet community needs, including produce, baking goods, canned goods, dairy, and frozen foods. The facility will specialize in processing beef, hogs, and deer, providing locally sourced meat products as well as offering products conveniently packaged for customers in the retail store. The goal is to increase food access for residents, support local agriculture, and promote sustainable food practices, addressing the nutritional needs of the region and bolstering economic growth while retaining and creating jobs for the local economy.

The project will create six new full-time jobs.

Frichtl's Processing and Slaughtering Owner Rachel Fritchtl said, “After 15 years of butchering on the family farm, we’ve gained extensive experience and honed the craft, which has provided a solid foundation for our new venture. In 2023, recognizing the increasing demand in the market, we shifted focus towards developing a comprehensive business plan, leveraging the connections made through local resources such as the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. With key partners like the Village of Dieterich supporting zoning and ordinance requirements, the Effingham Growth Alliance aiding in economic development strategies, and Dieterich Bank facilitating financial services, alongside support from the SBDC at IECC for business planning this collaborative approach will enable us to expand offerings and possibly increase production space, tapping into a broader range of products and services to meet customer needs more effectively.”

“The Effingham Regional Growth Alliance commends Governor JB Pritzker and DCEO for supporting Frichtl’s Processing and Slaughtering through EDGE for Startups,” said President and CEO of Effingham Regional Growth Alliance Courtney Yockey. “This project not only assists in fostering entrepreneurship, but also combats food insecurities and addresses inadequate access to fresh foods for the Village of Dieterich. ​ The Alliance welcomed the opportunity to work with the Rachel and Zach Frichtl to bring private investment and new employment opportunities to Effingham County.”