Few things say Hamtramck as much the Kowalski sausage sign on Holbrook. It has been an iconic part of the inner-city enclave for generations. This year it's getting a new lease on life as the Kowalski Companies embarks on an ambitious expansion of its operations.
In addition to restoring its iconic sign, the sausage maker is celebrating its 95th anniversary by upgrading its production facilities and adding staff with the goal of expanding its market share.
"We have had many offers to sell the facility in Hamtramck, mostly from out-of-state companies," says Michael Kowalski, president and CEO of
Kowalski Companies. "But we have declined these offers because we want to stay where our roots are and give employment opportunities to those who live in the area."
Michael Kowalski is the fourth generation of the Kowalski family to run the business started by his great-grandparents, Zygmund and Agnes. The Polish immigrants first owned a small grocery store on Chene Street in Detroit. They added a smokehouse to the store and began making Kielbasa and other sausages. Demand for those sausages prompted the family to open its factory on Holbrook in 1920.
Michael Kowalski and his sister, Linda Kowalski Jacob, now run Kowalski Companies. The firm has been acquiring other foods companies since 2002. It now has 55 varieties of prepared foods distributed in grocers throughout the Midwest. The brands in the Kowalski Companies' portfolio include Dudek, Tassos, Amhurst Kitchens, Just Sweet 'Nuff Chicken'n'Rib Sauce, Our Famous Sweet'n'Spicy Chicken'n'Rib Sauce, Yiayia's Famous Greek Salad Dressing, Consumer Guild Supreme, Home Style Foods, and The Original Hunters Sausage.
About 2,000 people have worked at the company over its history. It now employs a staff of 160 people after hiring 25 people in production, sales, and truck driving over the last year. It is looking to hire a handful more in production right now. Kowalski Companies is aiming to hire another 200 over the next five years as it expands its production capabilities and adds new equipment and renovates its facilities.
"We'll take a look at anybody who is good," Michael Kowalski says.
Part of the improvements include investing $1.5 million into the Homestyle Foods production facility in Hamtramck. Kowalski Companies is also looking to finish work on refurbishing the Kowalski sign that has stood vigil over Holbrook since the 1940s.
"Once it's done everyone is going to love it," Michael Kowalski says.
Source: Michael Kowalski, president and CEO of Kowalski Companies
Writer: Jon Zemke
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