Gary West Meats Ponders a Move

Gary West Meats Pondering Possible Manufacturing Move

Review Publisher Whitman Parker sat down with Paul Murdoch, President of Gary West Meats in Jacksonville to talk about his firms need for a larger facility. Actually, the “sitting down” part lasted less than five minutes before Murdoch whisked me away for a private behind-the-scenes tours of the Jacksonville retail and manufacturing facility. Like me, most people aren’t aware that behind the retail facade on 5^th Street is GWM production facility.

After donning a hair net and white butcher’s coat, I learned that Gary West Meats has been manufacturing and operating here since 1966.  In the past twenty years, Murdoch told me, the operation has shifted its focus from retail to wholesale and online sales. Their jerky and other gourmet products are now shipped nationwide to retailers, chains and holiday gift customers.  Between its retail and wholesale operations,  GWM employs 15 full-time locals.

As we make our way from the front of the store retail area, I find myself following Paul single-file through a maze of halls, storage areas, prep areas, and holding rooms on our way to the main production area.  Having never seen the action at Gary West Meats beyond the retail counter, I agree with Paul’s comment, “We’ve grown as much as we can in our current facility…we’re wedged into a building that’s just too small for our production needs.”  As I take note of the hustle and bustle around me, I couldn’t agree more. Even though the building is too small for today’s needs, I can’t help think how deceivingly small it appears from 5^th Street.

Paul reminds me that the current facility began as a butcher shop, with later additions for retail, shipping and administration. The butcher was Gary West, father of Paul’s wife, Whitney West. Next, Paul explains that production is cramping everyone for space because, “Gary West recently expanded into Bed, Bath and Beyond stores and Cost Plus World Markets. BBB has 900 stores in the US and Canada.  With 100 now carrying our products and with more demand expected, something’s got to give,” he says as he shrugs his shoulders. “And,” he adds, “We’re also producing product for 300 Cost Plus World Markets nationwide.”

When I catch up with Murdoch who’s now a few paces ahead of me, he’s holding open the door to the smokehouse part of the facility. I take notice of the incredible BBQ-like smell, appreciating the neat stacks of hickory and pear wood from local orchards.

When I ask Paul about leaving Jacksonville, he’s quick to remind me that he and Whitney intend to keep a retail presence in town. “Jacksonville is part of who we are and we will remain here in some fashion, hopefully somewhere on California Street after our building on 5^th Street sells.” Murdoch then tells me that the building will be listed for sale in preparation to move to a larger facility that can handle the load.

“In the meantime,” Paul tells me, “we will be shrinking our retail square footage to accommodate a shipping department expansion.  Our retail will be a factory outlet, featuring fresh product and discounted over-runs.”

Back in Murdoch’s cramped office overlooking 5^th Street, he concludes, “No matter where we are, we will always focus on what we do best – the products which come from our smokehouses.” Visit www.garywest.com for more information about the company and their products.