Makowski's Real Sausage Co. Expands Production with New Illinois Facility

Fourth-generation owner Nicole Makowski doubles production space to meet rising demand for the company's sausage products.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Makowski's Real Sausage Co., a longstanding Chicago-area sausage producer, has opened a new 26,800-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lansing, Illinois. The expansion allows the company, led by fourth-generation owner Nicole Makowski, to double its production capacity and modernize operations to meet sustained growth and increasing demand for its sausage products.

Why it matters

The move to Lansing represents a strategic shift for Makowski's Real Sausage, which had previously operated out of a smaller Chicago facility that limited its ability to expand production. The new state-of-the-art plant gives the company the space and infrastructure to boost output, improve efficiency, and position itself for future growth in private label, co-manufacturing, and new product categories.

The details

Makowski's Real Sausage traces its roots back to a small butcher shop in Central Wisconsin in the 1920s. The company, then known as Victory Sausage Co., relocated to Chicago and entered into a manufacturing agreement with the US Army during World War II. Over the decades, the business evolved, acquiring Real Sausage Co. in 1938 and shifting its focus primarily to sausage production by the 1970s. Nicole Makowski, the fourth-generation owner, took over the company in 2002 and has overseen its continued growth, with the business expanding by 30% over the last three years.

  • In early 2025, Makowski's acquired the 26,800-square-foot facility in Lansing, Illinois.
  • Throughout 2025, Makowski's rehabbed the two buildings on the property, with production beginning in December of that year.
  • In November 2025, Makowski's hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility.

The players

Makowski's Real Sausage Co.

A longstanding Chicago-area sausage producer that traces its roots back to a small butcher shop in Central Wisconsin in the 1920s.

Nicole Makowski

The fourth-generation owner of Makowski's Real Sausage Co. who took over the company in 2002 and has overseen its continued growth.

Ted Makowski

Nicole Makowski's grandfather, who joined the company in 1937 and assumed leadership by 1946.

Jerry Makowski

Nicole Makowski's father, who joined the company in 1952 and took ownership in 1985 along with his brother Louis Makowski.

Louis Makowski

Nicole Makowski's uncle, who joined the company in 1952 and took ownership in 1985 along with his brother Jerry Makowski.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been growing about 30% for the last three years now. There was no way we could continue that out in Chicago.”

— Nicole Makowski, Owner (provisioneronline.com)

“In Lansing, we can actually use racking, which doubles our space.”

— Nicole Makowski, Owner (provisioneronline.com)

“That was absolutely key from our old facility. We were so excited to be in a modern-day facility where we had a full circle pass-through operation.”

— Nicole Makowski, Owner (provisioneronline.com)

“And in refrigerating all of our departments, which we were not able to do in Chicago, that was absolutely key.”

— Nicole Makowski, Owner (provisioneronline.com)

What’s next

With the new Lansing facility operational, Makowski's Real Sausage Co. is positioned to continue its growth trajectory and explore new product categories and co-manufacturing opportunities.

The takeaway

Makowski's Real Sausage Co.'s expansion into a modern, efficient production facility in Lansing, Illinois, demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting rising demand for its high-quality sausage products. The move allows the family-owned business to double its production capacity and modernize operations, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.