Area Development
Deli Star Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of prepared meal proteins and deli solutions, will invest more than $99 million to locate its new headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The project is expected to create 475 jobs.

The 110,000 sq. ft. facility will produce Deli Star’s world-class proteins, including sous-vide proteins, slow cooked meats, deli logs, protein salads, sauces, and plant-based proteins. Construction is set to begin on the facility this summer, and the company plans to begin production at the facility in early 2022, state officials said.

“After conducting a thorough search across multiple states, we are thrilled to call Missouri Deli Star’s new home,” said Justin Siegel, Deli Star CEO. “The Missouri team, including Missouri Partnership, played a pivotal role in the selection process by understanding our needs and working to support our business expansion and ultimately the state of Missouri. We look forward to a successful future in the Show Me State!”

Headquartered for 34 years in Fayetteville, Illinois, Deli Star’s production facilities were destroyed by a fire in January 2021. Because its new location in St. Louis City includes an existing building, Deli Star can quickly resume its production operations after only a few months of renovations.

"We were very fortunate to work with our economic development partners to help bring Deli Star to Missouri, and keep it in the greater St. Louis region," said Subash Alias, Missouri Partnership CEO. "Deli Star was approached by numerous states and communities as it began looking for a location to rebuild its headquarters. The fact that we were able to keep it in the region is a testament to the strengths of both our workforce, and our overall business climate. We have had a lot of interest by food processing companies here in Missouri. I look forward to seeing Deli Star Corporation thrive here in our state."

For its relocation, Deli Star used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Deli Star is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses of all sizes with their recruitment and training needs.

“We are excited to welcome Deli Star Corporation to Missouri,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Deli Star will bring nearly $100 million in investment to our state and create nearly 500 new jobs in the St. Louis region. Missouri is a great place for food sector companies like Deli Star to find success, and we look forward to seeing this company grow in our state and provide new opportunities for Missourians.”

The new facility is located just a few miles east of the company’s new Food Discovery Center, a unique food research and development hub. The close proximity of the two facilities will drive innovation and collaboration with local companies and organizations, including a new job training program with St. Louis Public Schools.