Johnsonville Sausage LLC

SHEBOYGAN -- While some Sheboygan County manufacturers are closing their doors or moving production elsewhere, Johnsonville Sausage has reaffirmed its commitment to the area. On Wednesday, Johnsonville broke ground on a 70,000-square-foot, $34 million smoked sausage plant that is expected to employ 120 people. The facility will be the third Johnsonville plant in Sheboygan County. When the new plant begins production, projected for spring 2004, 50 employees will initially work at the plant, said David Finch, company spokesman. Eventually, the facility will operate two 10-hour shifts and will employ about 120 by 2006, Finch ( www.johnsonville.com )