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JBS USA has announced plans to invest $135 million to build a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.

Pending approval, the plant is expected to create 500 direct jobs and an estimated 250 construction jobs.

The facility will have capacity to produce 130 million pounds of sausage annually, processing around 500,000 sows each year. Production will initially run with one shift and 250 employees, with future plans to expand to two shifts.

Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, said: “Perry represents everything we value in a community: hard work, strong producer roots and people who understand the importance of feeding America. This investment underscores our commitment to rural America and our confidence in the strength of the US market. We plan to be a long-term partner for Perry and, if approved by the community, the facility will help foster job creation and economic stability in the region.”

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh welcomed the announcement, calling the project “a potential game-changer” for the local economy. He added: “JBS USA’s intentions to invest here reflects the resilience and promise of our community. This facility will not only create good-paying jobs but also provide long-term benefits for our schools, infrastructure and local businesses.”

Construction is targeted to begin in late 2025, with operations set to start in late 2026.