Archer opens second facility for meat snack production
The new Los Angeles site to focus solely on meat stick manufacturing as demand surges
USA – Meat snack company Archer is setting up a new manufacturing plant in Vernon, California, which will exclusively handle meat stick production.
The new site, expected to be operational by early September 2025, is intended to increase the company’s output and support its continued expansion in the growing meat snack market.
The Vernon facility spans nearly 140,000 square feet and was previously used by Farmer John for meat processing for close to a century.
Archer says the plant is designed for both processing and packaging, and will allow the company to nearly double its overall manufacturing capacity.
The addition of this facility comes as Archer’s meat stick segment continues to grow rapidly, with the company reporting a 187.4% increase in sales for the product line.
According to SPINS 2024 figures, Archer’s overall sales rose by 90% over the previous year, significantly outpacing the broader meat snack category’s 5.8% growth.
The Vernon site will operate alongside Archer’s existing facility in San Bernardino, which will continue to handle both jerky and meat stick production.
Company representatives say the expansion will allow for better turnaround times and improved staff development across both sites.
Archer expects to create over 200 new jobs at the Vernon location, with hiring scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025.
CEO Eugene Kang says the decision to build in Los Angeles aligns with Archer’s strategy of maintaining direct control over its supply chain to manage costs and quality.
He adds that expanding meat stick production through a dedicated facility marks a critical move in the company’s efforts to scale this specific line of snacks.
New Products Hit Retailers
In addition to its production expansion, Archer recently launched three new 100% grass-fed beef stick varieties: Pepperoni Style, Beef Taco, and Prime Rib Style.
The Pepperoni Style Mini Beef Sticks are now available at Sam’s Club in 24-count multipacks for US$14.48, with distribution running through June.
Beef Taco Mini Sticks, described as a family-friendly choice, come in 16-count bags at a suggested retail price of US$16.99.
The Prime Rib Style variety is being sold in both 10-count packs priced at US$17.99 and as individual 1-oz sticks for US$2.49 each.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
