JBS to invest $351m in Paraná state expansion and create 2,500 jobs

JBS has announced an investment of BRL 1.85 billion (approximately $351.5 million) to expand its production capacity in Paraná, southern Brazil.

The investment will made over the next five years and aims to expand capacity in what Reuters describes as Brazil’s biggest poultry producing state. According to the Brazilian meat manufacturer, the expansion will create 2,600 new direct jobs.

As part of the project, JBS plans to construct a new prepared foods factory in the state, as well as modernise and expand its current Rolândia poultry factory by 25%.

The Rolândia plant currently employs 3,700 people and has partnerships with 390 integrated producers. Following the expansion, an additional 150 producers will be integrated.

JBS says the expansion marks its efforts to meet the demands of the domestic and overseas markets for the production of raw protein and prepared foods.

“JBS is always alert to market demands in order to expand its production capacity. Our investments demonstrate the global importance of the state of Paraná as a food production hub for the world,” said Wesley Batista Filho, president of JBS Brazil and Seara.

The expansion is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

JBS has operations in 14 municipalities of Paraná including production units, distribution centres, incubators and feed plants.

Earlier this year, JBS committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, supported by an investment of more than $1 billion over the next decade.