SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Johnsonville has announced its acquisition of Salm Partners, a Denmark, Wisc.-based fully-cooked sausage co-manufacturer. The company says that the move is part of Johnsonville's effort to expand its ready-to-eat sausage business and leverage Salm's advanced meat manufacturing technologies.

The acquisition from Entrepreneurial Equity Partners includes Salm's two production plants in Denmark. Salm Partners will continue to operate independently under its current leadership and business model.

As part of the acquisition, Johnsonville officially announced plans to close its Meadowside plant in Sheboygan Falls by the end of the year.

The closure is part of a transition strategy as Johnsonville shifts a portion of its sausage production to Salm throughout 2024. The Meadowside plant's closure will affect its workforce, although Johnsonville noted in a Wednesday, Jan. 3 press release that all 390 Meadowside employees will be employed through at least the end of June.

The company also noted that efforts will be made to retain as many employees as possible within the company's Sheboygan Falls production positions and other facilities.