USA – Meat and meat products processor, JBS USA has announced a US$100 million investment for expansion of its beef production facility in Nebraska, the United States.
The project includes new, improved animal handling facilities, a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration.
The company said the investment aims to improve team member experience, animal handling welfare, food safety and product quality.
Also, it will allow the company to strategically capitalize on increased international demand forecasts for high-quality U.S. beef and value-added beef products.
It involves 107,000 square-foot expansion at the facility which it says will better position it to sustainably meet evolving customer and consumer expectations for high-quality, great-tasting U.S. beef products.
Construction of the project has already started and is expected to be completed in early 2021.
“Today’s announced expansion is an important strategic investment to secure Grand Island as an unquestioned leader in food quality, animal care and beef innovation for years to come,” said Tim Schellpeper, JBS USA Fed Beef President.
“Around the world, from North and South America to Asia and Africa, consumers crave the superior taste and quality of American beef.
“Partnering with leading Nebraska and other area beef producers, we are proud to invest in a vibrant future for U.S. beef.”
The facility, located at Grand Island, was first built in 1965 and acquired by JBS USA in 2007; and today produces brands such as 1855 Black Angus©, Swift© and Swift Black Angus©.
It produces nearly 1 billion pounds of quality beef and beef products each year, serving both the domestic and export market including Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Singapore.
“JBS Grand Island has been a standard-bearer for American beef for over half a century,” said Zack Ireland, Grand Island Plant Manager.
“Our team sends the best U.S. beef products the country has to offer to customers both domestically and globally.
“Today’s announcement strengthens our long-standing commitment to local farmers and ranchers, our team members, key customers and the community of Grand Island, whose support has been critical to our ongoing success.”
The company in February unveiled plans to invest US$20 million to expand its prepared foods business in Ottumwa, Iowa, to meet growing demand for bacon products.
It later opened a new state-of-the-art food innovation center in Colorado, the United States reinforcing its capabilities in global innovation.
