Savencia plans new brie production facility to generate 42 jobs in Freeport

A significant development in Stephenson County's cheese production industry was announced during the Planning & Development Committee meeting on April 7, 2025. Savencia, a major player in the cheese market, is set to introduce a new line of individually wrapped brie bites, which promises to enhance production efficiency and create jobs in the region.

The proposed facility will be the only one in Savencia's U.S. portfolio to produce this specific product, utilizing a specialized retort system to sterilize the cheese without melting it. This innovation not only extends the shelf life of the cheese but also helps stabilize the workforce throughout the year, addressing seasonal fluctuations that typically see increased demand in the third and fourth quarters.

Savencia plans to invest nearly $7 million into this project, which is expected to generate approximately 42 new jobs in its initial phase. The committee discussed the need to reinstate the facility into the enterprise zone, a clerical oversight from 2020 that inadvertently omitted the parcel from the legal description. The committee unanimously supported the motion to sponsor Savencia's request for re-inclusion, paving the way for the project to move forward.

As the process unfolds, the proposal will require approval from multiple government entities, including the county board and the city of Freeport. The committee expressed optimism about the investment, highlighting its potential to bolster the local economy and enhance the county's reputation in the cheese industry.