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The completion of the world’s first LEED-certified beef harvest facility marks a significant milestone for America’s Heartland Packaging, a subsidiary of American Foods Group (AFG).

This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 800,000 square feet, is designed to process up to 2,400 head of cattle per day, setting a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in the beef processing industry.

The collaboration between AFG and its design-build partner, Gray Construction, reflects a commitment to integrating sustainable practices into large-scale food production.

Rebekah Gray, the incoming president and CEO of Gray, said: “This project exemplifies what's possible when visionary leadership meets fully integrated delivery. We’re proud to have helped set a new global standard for efficiency and sustainability in the beef processing industry.”

The project included comprehensive facility design and construction tailored to meet LEED certification standards. Using advanced building information modelling (BIM), the design team effectively developed the structural and utility layout, ensuring seamless communication of plans with AFG throughout the project lifecycle.

Brett Goode, executive vice president of food and beverage at the construction firm, added: “A project of this scale and complexity simply isn't possible without a deeply collaborative relationship with the customer. From day one, AFG was a true partner in every sense – engaged at every level and committed to creating a project that will be a standard bearer in this industry for decades to come.”

The new facility is expected to have a substantial economic impact, supporting over 1,300 jobs and contributing more than $1 billion annually to the local economy.

This development comes at a time when the beef processing industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, responding to consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices.

American Foods Group, a family-owned beef processing company headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is dedicated to long-term growth in the cattle business and the partners it serves.

The establishment of this LEED-certified facility not only enhances AFG's operational capabilities but also aligns with the growing trend of sustainability in food production.