JBS USA has announced a $95 million expansion of its Grand Island, Nebraska, beef production facility, in a move to improve animal handling and welfare, food safety and product quality.
The 107,000-square-foot expansion and facility enhancements aim to better position the company to sustainably meet evolving customer and consumer expectations and capitalise on increased international demand for high-quality US beef and value-added beef products.
The project includes improved animal handling facilities, a temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration. It is expected the construction will be completed in early 2021. JBS USA said operations at Grand Island will continue uninterrupted throughout project execution.
“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 US beef.”
JBS Grand Island partners with more than 670 local producers to export beef to more than 30 countries around the world, including Canada, Chile, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Singapore, under brands such as 1855 Black Angus, Swift and Swift Black Angus.
Originally built in 1965 by Swift & Company, the Grand Island beef facility joined JBS USA in 2007 and produces nearly 1 billion pounds of beef and beef products each year.
“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 US 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.”
Earlier this year, JBS USA announced an investment of nearly $20 million to expand its Plumrose USA prepared foods business in Ottumwa, Iowa, to meet growing demand for bacon products.
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