Our News

Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Awarded Community Partnership Award

This year marks the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s 13th Annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards. The Alliance works collectively to attract, develop and retain the highly-skilled workforce critical to the manufacturing industry in northeast Wisconsin. Since its inception in 2006, the Alliance has grown to over 300 members, manufacturers partnering with educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, economic developers and nonprofit agencies.

MFG 4.0 Business Education Partnership and Collaboration

The MFG 4.0 Partnership and Collaboration is a successful initiative involving eight partners, including Kiel, Elkhart Lake, Random Lake and Oostburg High Schools, as well as Sargento Foods, Amerequip, Masters Gallery Foods and Krier Foods. This partnership has completed four years of collaboration and is set to celebrate its 5th Anniversary in the 2024-25 school year…

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Named to the 2024 Deloitte Wisconsin 75

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – October 2024 – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. announces the company has been recognized by Deloitte on their annual Wisconsin 75 list.

For the 22nd year, Deloitte is recognizing 75 of Wisconsin’s largest private companies for their contributions to the local economy and community.  In 2023, the WI75 employed more than 321,000 people with a revenue of $231b, 4% growth from 2022. This year, Masters Gallery Foods is honored to rank 28th on the list.

About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 900+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Building blocks—Masters Gallery Foods lays foundation for industry quality

By Amelia Compton Wolff, May 30, 2024

Stand up straight. Look them in the eye. And if you reject a product, do not waver — when it comes to grading cheese, there are no second chances. Read more…

Masters Gallery Foods celebrates 50th anniversary as it reflects on private label growth

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Masters Gallery Foods, a leading national supplier of cheese for private label retail, foodservice and industrial use, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. President and CEO Jeff Gentine, second-generation leader of the com-pany, says this is a major milestone, knowing the history and various chal-lenges the company has faced over past decades to continue to grow and reach its current level of success.

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Masters Gallery Foods Wins Sheboygan County Manufacturer of the Year Award

The Sheboygan County Chamber Champions Gala, held on February 22, 2024, celebrated the many successes among Sheboygan County businesses.

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Recognized as 2023 Business Friend of the Environment

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Attains Maturing Status

PLYMOUTH, Wis. (October 2023)—The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. at the Maturing level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses that are prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master.

Maturing status signifies that the organization is effectively engaging in sustainability, has identified and is improving its performance in most material sustainability issues, and is integrating systems to manage its performance in those issues.

Each year at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Annual Conference, the achievements of member companies are recognized and celebrated.  This year’s conference will be held on November 16 at TruStage in Madison.

“The Green Masters Program is a tool for businesses to define, prioritize, measure, and manage their sustainability performance and integrate sustainable systems into business systems. It’s a platform aligned with internationally recognized standards that drives sustainable success and continuous improvement. For over 14 years the program has guided companies in building sustainable success and we are proud of companies like [COMPANY NAME] leading the way in Wisconsin.”

Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Named to the 2023 Deloitte Wisconsin 75

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – October 2023 – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. announces the company has been recognized by Deloitte on their annual Wisconsin 75 list.

The Deloitte Wisconsin 75 recognizes the state’s largest privately and closely held companies headquartered in Wisconsin for their key role in powering the state’s economy and communities. For the 21st year, Deloitte is recognizing 75 of the largest and most successful private companies—the Wisconsin 75—for the impact they make. In 2022, the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 employed more than 319,000 people throughout the state and collectively generated $223B in revenues, a 14% growth from 2021. This year, Masters Gallery Foods is honored to rank 28th on the list.

About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 900+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Gov. Evers Kicks Off Dairy Month Announcing Major Investment in Wisconsin Cheese Company

 Gov. Tony Evers today announced the state of Wisconsin is supporting a major expansion of Masters Gallery Foods with up to $1.5 million in performance-based state tax credits from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The company is investing $60 million into expanding their cheese packaging and distribution facility in Oostburg with plans to create 105 new jobs.

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Masters Gallery Foods is First Manufacturer in Wisconsin to Deploy 100% Electric Class 8 Orange EV Truck

Masters Gallery Foods added to its award-winning green initiatives with the purchase of a pure-electric terminal truck from Orange EV, making it the first manufacturer in the state of Wisconsin to deploy their 100% electric Class 8 truck. View the PDF to read the full release.

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Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation Takes Major Steps to Address Housing and Workforce Challenges

Sheboygan County families and employers face a severe affordable housing, childcare and labor shortage. Several cross-sector task forces and various studies have identified these areas as the top barriers to growth in the county.

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IDFA Announces Safety Recognition Awards

The annual Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards program, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine, honors U.S. dairy facilities and trucking operations for outstanding worker safety. Now in its 18th year, the program continues to demonstrate that safety is the dairy industry’s number one priority.

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Masters Gallery Foods Launches Expansion at Oostburg Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OOSTBURG, Wis. – July 8, 2021 – Masters Gallery Foods recently began construction to add 110,000 square feet onto its Oostburg packaging and distribution center, bringing the total facility to over 285,000 square feet. The expansion will double the current production area while adding significantly to dry storage, bulk cheese and finished goods warehousing space. Project completion is estimated to be within the second quarter of 2022.

“Masters Gallery continues to experience strong growth within our private brand retail and food service cheese business, and this expansion is necessary to facilitate that growth while creating capacity for new opportunities,” says Jeff Gentine, CEO and co-owner of Masters Gallery Foods. “It will also relieve some pressure on our main facility in Plymouth by allowing us to better spread production and minimize transfers between locations.”

Initial construction of the Oostburg facility was completed in May 2018 and has led to nearly 250 new jobs for Sheboygan County since production began. Oostburg was deemed an ideal location thanks to its proximity to Sheboygan and to Highway 43, which helps to attract employees living outside the local area. The new expansion is expected to add roughly 125 jobs as new packaging lines are installed.

“Our consistent growth has created an abundance of new job opportunities for people to start or further their careers at Masters by earning $40,000 or more per year with excellent benefits. Advancement opportunities are plentiful, too. Approximately 45% of our current employees have advanced within the company since their hire,” Gentine stated. “It’s an exciting time for the Masters Gallery family.”

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About Masters Gallery Foods: Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 900+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Masters Gallery Foods Partners with Oostburg School District

JOINT PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oostburg, Wis. – April 29, 2021 – Masters Gallery Foods has made a five-year commitment to support Oostburg School District’s ongoing capital improvements.

The donation will be used for a new student cafeteria and kitchen area which will be named the Masters Gallery Foods Cafeteria. This gift is part of an ongoing partnership between Masters Gallery Foods and the Oostburg School District which includes investments in a unique Industry 4.0 collaboration that focuses on student academic and career planning and equipping area schools with industry standard manufacturing training equipment.

“Masters Gallery Foods’ investment extends far beyond their state-of-the-art physical plant in Oostburg’s industrial park. They have quickly become a critical community partner not only through financial support of our facilities and equipment, but also through the time they give in helping us grow our understanding of competencies students need to be successful in a manufacturing setting. This helps us achieve our overall mission,” said Kevin Bruggink, Superintendent, Oostburg School District. “We are grateful for this generous gift and for Masters Gallery Foods’ ongoing support through our Industry 4.0 collaboration.”

The new Masters Gallery Foods Cafeteria will be over 4,800 square feet and feature space for expanded a la carte offerings, increased natural lighting and flexible seating options for students and adults. The new space will not only be a centerpiece for district food service but will also serve as a gathering area for special events, particularly those associated with new theater and library spaces.

“The partnership between Masters Gallery Foods and the Oostburg School District serves a critical role in preparing students for success after high school. Students considering college may overlook manufacturing as a viable career path because they don’t realize the diverse career opportunities available in manufacturing. Students who are undecided in their plans after high school graduation can start their careers at Masters earning at least $40,000 or more per year and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement through our company when they are ready to advance within,” said Jeff Gentine, President and CEO of Masters Gallery Foods.

About Oostburg School District: Ensuring all students learn at high levels equipping them to be positive contributors to society and the world, OSD is positioned as the top school district in Wisconsin for return on community investment.

About Masters Gallery Foods: Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 900+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Masters Gallery Foods Takes the Veteran Hiring Pledge

Here at Masters Gallery Foods, we believe Veterans are disciplined team players that can strengthen our company goals and success. Their skills, values and extensive training can enhance our organization’s productivity and that is why we have taken the Veterans Hiring Pledge.

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Masters Gallery Foods Awarded Safety Leader of the Year

The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2020 Chamber Champions Gala, held on February 18, 2021, at the Stephanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan, WI.

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Masters Gallery Foods Wins Prominent Economic Development Award

Plymouth, WI – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. today was presented with their 2020 Community and Economic Development Award (CEDA) for their recent expansion project. The cheese-packing company won the CEDA award in the Business Retention and Expansion category, which recognizes innovative economic development projects where communities have successfully mobilized to help retain or expand an existing business whose operations are critical to the economic vitality of the community. The award was initially announced at the 2020 CEDA Awards Ceremony, which was held virtually on Sept. 16, 2020.

The CEDA Awards program was established by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) to celebrate businesses, projects, and organizations that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy. Winners were recognized in the following six categories: Business Retention and Expansion; Economic Development Initiative; Economic Driver; Public-Private Partnership; Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse; and Talent Attraction.

“We are honored to receive the CEDA award and to be recognized for a project that demonstrates true collaboration,” said Jeff Gentine, President & CEO and Co-Owner of Masters Gallery Foods. “Expanding locally was important to us, and our vision was made possible through the joint efforts of local and state-elected officials, the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation and Masters Gallery Foods. We are grateful for the warm welcome extended by the Village of Oostburg and look forward to growing our business in Oostburg for many years to come.”

Founded in 1974, family-owned Masters Gallery Foods serves private label, retail and foodservice customers around the world. Multiple expansions of its Plymouth, WI campus necessitated construction of a second manufacturing facility. By expanding locally in Oostburg, the company solidified its corporate culture across both locations, strengthened Sheboygan County’s economy, and created 210 new jobs in the area. The project was supported by tax incremental financing and state tax credits to accelerate the  $61 million investment made by Masters Gallery Foods.

“WEDA is excited to partner with the Wisconsin League of Municipalities, the Wisconsin Counties

Association, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to present the CEDA Awards and

celebrate the efforts of businesses such as Masters Gallery Foods that are advancing Wisconsin’s economy through exciting expansion projects,” said WEDA Communications Director Michael Welsh. “Masters Gallery Foods exemplifies the positive economic impact a business expansion project can have in a community.”

CEDA Award sponsors include Alliant Energy; Dairyland Power Cooperative; Green Bay Packers; Insight Publications; Madison Gas & Electric; U.S. Bank; and Xcel Energy.

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For Immediate Release: September 14, 2020

Masters Gallery Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County

Masters Gallery Foods has made a two-year commitment to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County as a Corporate Defender.

These funds will provide support for one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.  The demand and level of support Big Brothers Big Sisters must provide for at-risk youth and their families in our communities is more critical and complex than ever before, during these challenging times.

“The reality is that healthy kids equal healthy families and healthy communities. We are grateful for the support provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County to the kids and families in our communities,” said Jeff Gentine, President and CEO of Masters Gallery.  “Everything they do is ‘for kids sake,’ and we are proud to be their partner.”

Big Brother Big Sisters of Sheboygan County is an evidenced-based youth mentoring agency providing the oldest, largest, most studied, and most proven mentoring program in the U.S.

In 55 years, the organization has served nearly 20,000 Sheboygan County children and families creating meaningful relationships between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 5 – 18.

The partnership with Masters Gallery Foods is an investment to ensure Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County sees continued growth, learning and maintains its commitment to keeping kids connected.

“During a time when many say everything has changed, the vital impact one caring adult can have on the life of a child, hasn’t changed a bit.  We are grateful for the partnership with Masters Gallery Foods,” said Denise Wittstock, CEO of Big Brothers big Sisters of Sheboygan County. “This partnership truly is a win-win and will allow the organization to provide support to address the needs of our community, ultimately making it safer and stronger.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County helps children realize their potential and build their futures through evidence based mentoring programs that match concerned volunteer mentors with children who need additional support and guidance.

Through the careful pairing of adult with child, BBBSSC can combine the abilities and desires of the mentor with the needs of the child to produce safe, goal-oriented, friendships. Agency professionals work with each relationship to ensure the gentle and consistent interaction leads to more self-assured and self-reliant young people.

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Named to the 2019 Deloitte Wisconsin 75

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – October 10, 2019 – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. announces the company has been recognized by Deloitte on their annual Wisconsin 75 list, for the 17th year in a row.

The Deloitte Wisconsin 75 recognizes the state’s largest privately and closely held companies headquartered in Wisconsin for their key role in powering the state’s economy and communities. For the 17th year, Deloitte is recognizing 75 of the largest and most successful private companies—the Wisconsin 75—for the impact they make. In 2019, the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 employed more than 250,000 people throughout the state and collectively generated $149B in revenues, a 181% growth over the last 10 years. This year, Masters Gallery Foods is honored to rank 24th on the list.

Winners were highlighted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as well as recognized at an awards ceremony on October 8, 2019 at Saint Kate–The Arts Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Jack Salzwedel, Chairman and CEO of American Family Insurance was the keynote speaker.

About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 900+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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WI Sustainable Business Council Announces 2018 Green Masters

MADISON, Wis. (December 13, 2018)— The WI Sustainable Business Council is today announcing the 2018 Green Master level companies at the 11th Annual WI Sustainable Business Conference. The Conference is being hosted at the Monona Terrace and sponsored by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP). With roughly 150 Wisconsin businesses currently participating in the Green Masters program, being recognized and celebrated in front of peers makes attaining the Green Master status especially meaningful.

This year, 32 companies are being recognized as Green Masters. Each of these companies scored in the top 20% of all applicants during the year. Of these companies, 27 are returning Green Masters awardees, and we welcome 5 as new Green Master companies this year.

Becoming a Green Master has never been easy, and this year the minimum score for becoming a Green Master again increased. Every year the minimum score has increased, and this year was no exception, even though earning points this year was more difficult.

The 32 companies we are recognizing today have made huge improvements in each of the 9 areas that the program assesses, and they continue to raise the bar for others. The 2018 Green Masters are as follows:

2018 Green Masters
Alliant Energy Corporation – Wisconsin Power and Light Company, Madison
American Family Insurance, Madison
Bounce Milwaukee, Milwaukee
BPM Inc. A Specialty Paper Mill, Peshtigo
Cardinal Glass IG, Spring Green
CNH Industrial, Racine
Covia, Menomonie
Essity (Formerly SCA Tissue), Neenah
Evinrude, Sturtevant
Evolution Marketing, Oconomowoc
Green Bay Packaging Inc., Green Bay
Hudson Hospital and Clinics, Hudson
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, Minong
Johnson Controls, Glendale
KI (Krueger International), Green Bay
Kohl’s Department Store, Menomonee Falls
Kohler Co., Kohler
Lands’ End, Dodgeville
Lauterbach Group Inc., Sussex
Madison Gas and Electric, Madison
Masters Gallery Foods, Inc., Plymouth
Menasha Corporation, Neenah
Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac
Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh
Phillips-Medisize (Phillips Plastics Corporation), Eau Claire
Precision Plus, Elkhorn
Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee
Trout Springs Winery, Greenleaf
UW Credit Union, Madison
UW Health, Madison
Village of Paddock Lake, Paddock Lake
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, Madison

Program Director, Kevin Banas, says, “Our application rewards companies for continually pushing the envelope on sustainability actions. A large majority of the 27 returning Green Masters level companies have been receiving this award for 5+ years. To score in the top 20% of all applicants is incredibly difficult, and the fact that some companies have been able to do this year in and year out, deserves recognition. Whether a company is receiving this award for the 8th time, or the 1st time, one thing is certain, they have fully committed to sustainability as a cornerstone of their business. These 32 companies rose to the challenge and we are excited to see sustainability continue to grow here in Wisconsin.”

The Program is comprised of a very diverse group of Wisconsin companies. They range from small businesses to multinationals. This year, the program recognizes companies from eighteen different sectors. The largest sector is Manufacturing, which over 30% of participants describe being part of. It is followed by the Professional sector with 10% of participants. Other sectors include Business to Business Trade, Construction, Energy, Food-Agriculture, Health Care, Hospitality, Printing, and Paper and Packaging

Over the years, participants have made huge sustainability accomplishments, and have made the program more competitive. This year, the average score across all sectors was 464 compared to an average score of 448 last year. To put that into perspective, the average score was only 70 in 2009! This year alone, we welcomed nearly 20 new applicants, and look forward to future growth.

Each of the companies will be introduced and celebrated at the WI Sustainable Business Conference. According to Tom Eggert, Executive Director of the WI Sustainable Business Council, “One of my favorite parts of the conference each year is the introduction of each of the Green Masters companies. I know the privilege of being recognized in front of your peers is a big incentive for companies to continuously improve, and the competitive nature of staying at the front of the pack causes Wisconsin companies to rise above their peers from other states.”

The Green Masters Program is a free, points-based recognition and assessment program that enables Wisconsin businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to receive recognition for their sustainability initiatives. Developed by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council and Wisconsin businesses, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the goal of the program is to not only recognize work that is being done, but to give companies a way to benchmark their efforts and compare their performance to other companies within the state. To be eligible to apply, businesses must take at least one action in each of the nine sustainability categories: energy, carbon and other emissions, water, waste management, transportation, supply chain, community and educational outreach, workforce, and governance.

For more information, or a complete list of all program participants, go to: http://www.greenmastersprogram.com. Both Kevin and Tom are available for any additional questions.

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Masters Gallery Foods Named Sheboygan County “Economic Driver of the Year”

Sheboygan, Wis. – At its Annual Meeting on November 14, the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) presented its annual “Sheboygan County Economic Driver of the Year” Award to Masters Gallery Foods.

Upon accepting the award, CEO Jeff Gentine dedicated the award to the more than 800 associates employed by Masters Gallery Foods, as well as customers and suppliers integral to the success of the company.

The ‘Sheboygan County Economic Driver of the Year’ Award reflects the family-owned firm’s economic impact to the region. The Company’s growth plan has seen them expand from the City of Plymouth to the Village of Oostburg, supplying hundreds of family sustaining careers and providing generous support to local non-profits and charities.

Founded in 1974 by entrepreneur and innovator Leonard “Butch” Gentine, Jr., the Company started as a small Plymouth, Wisconsin-based brokerage firm, specializing in the sale and distribution of bulk cheese. In 1989 the Company opened a 45,000 sq. ft. production and distribution facility to package shreds and chunks for the emerging private label retail category. As the firm grew to become one the largest national cheese suppliers in the country, the Plymouth plant was expanded three times to its current size of over 300,000 sq. ft.

In 2017, after working for the firm for 21 years, Jeff Gentine, second generation owner, took over as President and CEO. “We have great people at Masters and they make all the difference every day. We take great pride in the cheese we package because so much work goes into it from across all areas of the company,” Jeff Gentine stated.

To accommodate their continued growth, earlier this year the company opened a $36 million, 175,000 sq. ft facility on 39 acres in the Village of Oostburg. The plant already employs nearly 100 individuals and is expected to add another 30-40 jobs in the next year as it adds more lines. Full build-out of the site would result in a 350,000 sq. ft. facility and numerous new job opportunities.

According to Gary Dulmes, SCEDC Board Chair, “Masters Gallery Foods is a tremendous company. We are glad to honor this second-generation company with our prestigious annual award. They have made a huge positive impact in Sheboygan County. Congratulations to the family and employees of Masters Gallery Foods.”

Masters Gallery Foods is among other visionary companies that have earned the SCEDC Economic Driver Award, which include the leaders of Acuity, American Orthodontics, Bemis Manufacturing, Johnsonville Sausage, Kohler Co., Oostburg Concrete, Sargento, and Vollrath Co.

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Wins Sheboygan County Manufacturing of the Year Award

Elkhart Lake, WI—The Chamber Champions Gala, held on February 20, 2018, was a time to celebrate the best of Sheboygan County. More than 650 attendees gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chamber Champion award nominees with a rousing reception, excellent food and standing ovations at The Osthoff Resort.

Over 76 companies and organizations were nominated for various awards. Masters Gallery Foods was honored to receive the Manufacturer of the Year award. This did not come easy as they were against some other great businesses, including 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, American Orthodontics, Bemis Manufacturing Company, Kohler Co., Sargento Foods, The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery and Wigwam Mills.

“This is a terrific honor for Masters Gallery Foods and testament to the great work we’ve all done as a company to grow our business and our profile within Sheboygan County. Our new Oostburg plant will be a true state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, one that will allow us to move confidently into the future. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help and support, thank you!” -Jeff Gentine

The annual award process began in Fall when the Chamber put out a call for nominations from their members for their members. If nominations were not Chamber members or were self-nominated, they were disqualified. Nominees are then sent category-specific questionnaires. Chamber member representatives from a variety of fields are asked to be judges and personally go through the questions, score and tally the nominations individually. Judges then gather to review score sheets, percents are tabulated and the winner is determined (judges with affiliations to the nominees are unable to vote in those categories).

Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants, and distributors with a full line of private label brand cheese and cheese related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging, and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Masters Gallery Foods- Groundbreaking Ceremony- Oostburg, WI

Masters Gallery Foods held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 7, 2017 for their new Packaging and Distribution facility in Oostburg, WI. The new facility will allow the company to drive continued growth of their private label brand retail and food service cheese offering sold throughout the country and will support the company’s original plant and corporate headquarters in Plymouth, WI.

Joining them was Wisconsin LT. Governor- Rebecca Kleefisch, State Senator Devin LeMahieu, District 26 Representative- Terry Katsma, Oostburg Village President- Allen Wrubbel, Oostburg District Superintendent- Kevin Bruggink, Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation- Jim Schuessler, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation- Barb LeMue and Mary Perry, Representatives from CD Smith, Wagner Excavating, McMahon Engineers, BMO Harris and Wells Fargo Banks respectively.

Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants, and distributors with a full line of private label brand cheese and cheese related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging, and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Announces New Production Facility

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – December 12, 2016 – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. has announced plans to build a new packaging and distribution facility in Oostburg, WI. The new facility will allow the company to drive continued growth of their private brand retail and food service cheese offerings sold throughout the country and will support the company’s original plant and corporate headquarters in Plymouth, WI.

“We’re thrilled to be embarking on our second production facility. It’s a proud moment for the company and all our associates, and we hope it’s exciting for the local community as well,” says Jeff Gentine, CEO and co-owner of Masters Gallery Foods.

The Oostburg plant will be built on a nearly 40-acre parcel of land recently acquired by the Village which will be annexed into the adjacent Business Park. While the design is still being finalized, Phase 1 of construction is expected to be roughly 150,000 square feet. The master site plan will accommodate 2 additional expansions for a total footprint of approximately 350,000 square feet. Groundwork and site preparation for Phase 1 are expected to begin next spring, with occupancy by early 2018.

The new production facility represents a significant investment in Sheboygan County and the surrounding community. Phase 1, estimated at $30 million, is expected to result in roughly 120 new jobs over the next 2-3 years while the master plan has the potential to create an additional 200 or more jobs. Oostburg was deemed an ideal location thanks to its proximity to Highway 43 and the ability to attract new employees from both the north and south.

“We explored building out of state, but after a thorough analysis we determined that expanding in our backyard was best,” says Jeff Gentine. “Maintaining our company culture is paramount, and the workforce in Wisconsin, particularly in Sheboygan County, is second to none, especially when it comes to the dairy business. We can’t replicate that anywhere else.”

The Wisconsin and upper Midwest cheese supply continues to grow as well, so increasing capacity near steady, high quality supply was another strong consideration for the company and its expanding customer base who rely on quality cheese.

“The new facility is testament to the value and quality products Masters Gallery Foods provides our customers,” says Jeff Giffin, executive chairman. “It’s exciting to be part of Sheboygan County’s continued business growth.”

The company’s main production facility in Plymouth was originally built in 1989. Starting off at a modest 40,000 square feet, the plant has increased in size over 3 expansions to approximately 310,000 square feet. Today the company runs multiple production lines for shredding, slicing, chunking and sticking of natural cheese, and employs nearly 600 associates company-wide.

About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants, and distributors with a full line of private brand cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging, and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Congratulations! The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council is delighted to recognize Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. as a Green Professional under the Green Masters Program. The enclosed certificate recognizes Masters Gallery Foods outstanding dedication to integrating principles of sustainability into its operations while pursing business excellence. In earning this certificate, Masters Gallery Foods stands out in Wisconsin’s business community.

The Green Masters Program recognizes Wisconsin organization that have integrated sustainability into their business plans. As you know, the program is grounded in an in-depth survey where points are rewarded for a variety of actions. These actions are grouped into areas that include: Energy, Climate, Water, Waste Management, Transportation, Supply Chain, Workforce, Governance, and Community and Educational Outreach. The Council applauds your leadership in these areas and encourages you to continuously challenge yourselves to improve.

The Green Masters Program not only gives you an overall sustainability score, but provides a score in each of the sustainability areas defined by the program. Masters Gallery Foods has distinguished itself with exceptional scores in Education and Outreach, Waste Management, and Governance. Within your industry, it is increasingly important to integrate sustainability into all aspects of business operations, and your efforts can help shape the behavior and performance of other Wisconsin businesses.

A company’s final score will land them in one of three classification; Green Apprentice companies score between 9 and 250 points, Green Professional companies score more than 250 points, and Green Masters companies are the top 20% of businesses in the program in a given year. Because new companies are constantly submitting new applications to the program, we encourage you to resubmit your survey each year.

We would welcome the opportunity to work with your staff on the development of a press release celebrating your participation in the Green Masters Program. If you are interested in developing a press release, we can provide a template and examples to work from.

We’d like to once again thank you for your leadership in the sustainability area and welcome you into the Green Masters Program.

Finally, we encourage you to recommend the Green Masters Program to your suppliers and customers. By building awareness of the program, it becomes more valuable for you, and results in a great number of companies taking on the sustainability challenge. Information is available at: www.greenmastersprogram.com

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Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. Named to the 2016 Deloitte Wisconsin 75

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – October 27, 2016 – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. announces the company has been recognized by Deloitte on their annual Wisconsin 75 list, for the 14th year in a row.

The Deloitte Wisconsin 75 recognizes the state’s largest privately and closely held companies headquartered in Wisconsin for the impact they make on Wisconsin’s communities and economy. This year, Masters Gallery Foods is honored to rank 23rd on the list. Companies from 41 cities in the state were honored, with 28 manufacturing companies being the largest sector; collectively generating $32B in revenues. Even more, nearly 100 percent of the companies included in the Wisconsin 75 give back to their communities by donating time and money to important community initiatives.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized as this is a nice reflection of what our employees have been able to accomplish this year,” says Jeff Gentine, executive vice president for Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.

Winners were highlighted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as well as recognized at an awards ceremony on October 4, 2016 at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Keynote speaker Paul Purcell of RW Baird, said the contributions of private companies play an important role in powering the state’s economy and communities.

About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Since its founding in 1974, Masters Gallery Foods has grown to service many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants, and distributors with a full line of cheese and cheese-related products. The Company also specializes in the procurement, aging, and distribution of bulk cheeses at a national level. The Masters Gallery family is 580 employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

Masters Gallery Foods Receives Best of Class at World Championship Cheese Contest

Plymouth, WI (April 12, 2016) – Masters Gallery Foods, Inc. was honored with two Best of Class Awards at this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest held in Madison, Wisconsin. Judging took place March 7-9, and Masters Gallery received Best of Class in two categories: Open Class Shredded and Cheddar, Aged One to Two Years. The company also received Third Place in Open Class Shredded and Third in Cheddar, Aged Two Years or Longer.

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About Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Named as a Wisconsin 75 company and recognized as one of the top privately held businesses in Wisconsin for 13 consecutive years, Masters Gallery Foods is a leader in the retail and food service private label cheese packaging and distribution business. The company services many of the nation’s grocery chains, wholesalers, restaurants and distributors with a full line of cheese related products. The Masters Gallery family is 530+ employees strong and growing. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mastersgalleryfoods.com.

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Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch met with the Center for Health and Wellness company partners, staff and Prevea to discuss their innovative health care and employee wellness initiatives.

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