As one of the two primary employers in Hoopeston, Illinois, Teasdale Latin Foods plays an essential role in the town’s economic and social fabric. With a long-standing presence and commitment to the region, Teasdale continues to demonstrate its dedication to the future—not only through ongoing production of high-quality Mexican and Latino-inspired foods but also by fostering sustainable practices, prioritizing workforce wellbeing, and expanding job opportunities for local residents.
Despite recent labor challenges, including an active strike by the Grain Millers Union, Teasdale has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to both its employees and the broader Hoopeston community. The company is forging ahead with strategic investments aimed at ensuring the plant remains a reliable, high-quality production hub and a stable source of employment for the town.
“Our focus is on the future—on building a resilient, people-centered operation,” said Tim O’Connor, CEO of Teasdale Latin Foods. “We are investing in people, processes, and equipment to ensure our Hoopeston facility remains a cornerstone of quality, reliability, and community support. We’re proud to build on Teasdale’s legacy while creating an improved work-life balance for our team.”
A Shift Toward Balance and Sustainability
A key initiative underway at the Hoopeston plant is a significant shift in work scheduling designed to improve both employee wellbeing and long-term operational sustainability. As product demand increases and capabilities expand, the plant will move from its existing four-day, 12-hour shift model to a more predictable five-day, 8-hour schedule. This change, according to leadership, will support a more manageable and consistent work-life balance for team members across the board.
The revised scheduling model is being implemented in tandem with a ramp-up in staffing. To support the enhanced production needs, Teasdale plans to add up to 32 new positions at the Hoopeston facility. This hiring effort not only boosts local employment but also strengthens the plant’s operational capacity, ensuring the company can meet growing consumer demand without compromising product quality or employee satisfaction.
“This is about building a workplace culture that respects people’s time and their lives outside of work,” said O’Connor. “By investing in more manageable schedules and creating more jobs, we’re making a long-term commitment to the health, productivity, and resilience of our workforce.”
Elevating Workforce Equity and Wages
In addition to improving scheduling and expanding its workforce, Teasdale is also taking decisive action to improve pay equity and career development within the facility. A newly adopted single-tier wage structure for the canning department replaces the previous six-year progression model. This new framework ensures that employees performing the same job functions receive equal compensation, regardless of tenure—a move that reinforces Teasdale’s values of fairness, transparency, and employee respect.
Under the terms of the new labor contract, employees are receiving substantial wage increases in year one, ranging from 5% to as high as 17%, depending on role and classification. The revised hourly wage structure now ranges from $17.45 to $34.38 across various positions. This reflects Teasdale’s active investment in its workforce and its recognition that fair pay is fundamental to attracting and retaining top talent.
“This new pay model is not just about numbers—it’s about fairness and recognizing the vital contributions of every team member,” said Tom Tripp, Chief Operating Officer of Teasdale Latin Foods. “When we invest in our people, we invest in the success of our entire operation.”
Strengthening Quality, Safety, and Operational Continuity
As Teasdale prepares to welcome new hires and train incoming employees under the revised operational structure, maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety remains a top priority. The company is leveraging additional resources from its Atwater, California canning facility to provide interim production support during the onboarding process at Hoopeston. This ensures product availability remains stable while preserving the company’s commitment to food safety and excellence.
“At Teasdale, safety comes first—whether it’s the safety of our employees or the integrity of our food,” Tripp added. “Every product that leaves our Hoopeston plant reflects our brand’s promise. Nothing substandard leaves our facility.”
To support this operational transition, Teasdale is investing in training and quality assurance protocols designed to uphold its long-standing reputation for delivering flavorful, authentic products. These measures include onboarding programs for new employees, investments in state-of-the-art production equipment, and enhanced food safety protocols, all of which contribute to the facility’s ability to maintain peak performance while scaling up.
Commitment to Community and Core Values
Teasdale Latin Foods’ efforts in Hoopeston go beyond production targets and employment figures. The company views its presence in the town as a long-term partnership with the local community—one that is grounded in shared values, mutual support, and economic empowerment.
By creating new job opportunities, modernizing work schedules, and providing fair and competitive wages, Teasdale is reinforcing its commitment to community resilience. The investments being made today are designed not only to meet current demand but also to future-proof the facility, ensuring it remains a pillar of strength and opportunity for years to come.
Moreover, Teasdale remains committed to its core values of transparency, integrity, and sustainability. These principles guide every decision the company makes, from plant management and human resources policies to environmental stewardship and product development.
About Teasdale Latin Foods
Teasdale Latin Foods is a leading manufacturer and marketer of authentic Mexican and Latin-inspired food products. With a diverse product portfolio that includes canned beans, hominy, sauces, and value-added meal components, Teasdale is recognized for its dedication to delivering high-quality, flavorful foods that bring people together.
The company serves a wide range of customers, including retailers, foodservice providers, and industrial partners, helping them grow through product innovation, reliable supply, and an unwavering focus on quality.
As the company looks ahead, its initiatives in Hoopeston signal more than just growth—they represent a holistic commitment to people, product excellence, and community prosperity.
