Boos & Co. Renews Its Century-Old Commitment to Central-Illinois
No other business in the small town of Effingham, Illinois (population: 12,500) has been in operation longer than [John Boos & Co.](http://johnboos.com) Founded in 1887, the company manufactures kitchen furniture and equipment for residential and commercial use. They're most famous for their eponymous butcher blocks, as well as countertops, islands, tables, carts and cutting boards made of butcher block.
But soon, all these Boos wood products will be manufactured in a new facility. On December 15, the Effingham City Council will meet to consider selling to Boos a 15-acre parcel appraised at $300,000. It's owned by the city and located near Boos' corporate offices and modern metal plant situated at 3601 South Banker Street in Effingham. Production of stainless steel work tables, cabinets, sinks and shelving began there in 2011.
According to Vic Jansen, Director of Manufacturing for Boos & Co., The wood plant is located at 315 South First St., and the outlet store is located at 507 East Fayette Avenue. But after the move it would all be together, except being separated by Thies Avenue. First we'd like to get the land secured. Boos expects to break ground on a 100,000 square-foot facility by spring; sooner if weather permits.
Mark Shook, President of Boos' online dealer Butcher Block Co., explained that, It's a smart move for Boos to opt for a greenfield project. That way they can invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment that expands their capabilities, enhances flexibility and lowers costs. Plus, by shortening the physical distance between departments they can improve internal communications. This should boost innovation and shorten the time it takes to develop and bring new products to market.
[John Boos butcher blocks and cutting boards](https://butcherblockco.com/) are used daily by such celebrity chiefs as Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse. They're featured regularly on food and cooking-oriented channels, including The Food Network. Professional chefs also employ them at such famous restaurants as The Border Grill in Santa Monica and New Orleans' Bayone Restaurant. The company's factory outlet and showroom in Effingham is open to the public daily.
