Since its founding in 1969, the family-owned Korte Meat Processing, Inc. has been a staple within the small town of Highland, IL. Known for its custom game processing, locally sourced meat processing, and award-winning sausages and cured products, Korte Meats has long drawn customers from surrounding areas to its retail storefront, located at the front of its 10,000-square-foot processing facility.
In 2023, to meet growing demand, Korte Meats expanded into a 54,000-square-foot facility situated on a 10-acre site—formerly a printing plant for The Wall Street Journal—just down the road from its original location. Transforming this former print building into a modern meat processing and retail center required extensive collaboration, strategic planning, and technical refrigeration expertise. Murphy Company delivered comprehensive mechanical services for the following key scopes:
- Turnkey CO₂ Refrigeration System
A centralized CO₂ plant was installed, including a compressor rack, gas cooler, and CO₂ gas distribution system. Space-hung evaporators serve the processing areas, while refrigerated cases were installed in the retail supermarket section. - Cooler Panel Installation
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) were installed throughout the process and retail areas, including all doors and windows, to fully seal the building envelope from external elements. - Process HVAC System
The HVAC system was engineered to purge moisture from production areas on demand, meeting stringent FDA sanitation standards and passing inspection by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. - Support Refrigeration Systems
Additional refrigeration systems were installed to support specialized processes, such as meat smoking operations.
While the building’s original printing foundations remain—preserving a piece of its industrial heritage—the facility stands as a symbol of innovation and growth. With the successful completion of this one-of-a-kind facility, Korte Meats will continue to thrive by delivering personal service and the highest quality of meats and products available.
This project stands out for its complexity and innovation. Murphy Company collaborated closely with Korte Meats and Plocher Construction to evaluate multiple refrigeration options—from ammonia to CO₂—ultimately selecting a system that balanced budget, space constraints, and long-term value. The result is a highly energy-efficient, ‘future-proof’ CO₂ system that centrally cools and controls all areas, from the kill floor to the supermarket cases and everything in between. CO₂ was chosen for its safety, efficiency, and regulatory stability: it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and not subject to future phase-outs under the AIM Act or Montreal Protocol, unlike ammonia or A2L refrigerants.
Transforming the former newspaper printing facility into a USDA-inspected meat processing plant with integrated CO₂ refrigeration unique challenges. Aging infrastructure, an tight nine-month schedule, and supply chain disruptions added complexity. Murphy Company worked closely with Korte Meats and Plocher Construction to engineer a future-proof, energy-efficient system that met performance and budget goals. To stay on track, we prefabricated key supports, coordinated just-in-time deliveries through split shipments, and maintained constant communication with vendors and trades. Weekly coordination meetings, proactive planning, and a strong partnership with Local 439 ensured seamless execution, successfully delivering this project before Korte Meats’ busiest time – hunting season.
This project revitalized a long-vacant building, created 15 full-time jobs, and boosted local tax revenue. It sparked a new business district, encouraging economic growth and investment. A grand opening with food and a BBQ competition celebrated Korte Meats’ local roots and ongoing commitment to serving and strengthening the Highland community.
