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JBS has officially broken ground on a $150 million expansion of its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas, marking a significant reinvestment in US beef processing capacity and rural infrastructure.

The project will add a new, state-of-the-art fabrication floor and expand the plant’s ground beef room, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing overall production capacity at one of the company’s largest beef facilities. Construction is now underway, with completion expected in 2027.

According to company leadership, the expansion is designed to position the Cactus facility for long-term competitiveness while creating additional opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members and the surrounding communities.

Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, said: “This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team in Cactus and cattle producers. The investment reflects our long-term commitment to the US beef industry and the rural communities where we live and work.”

Located in the Texas Panhandle, the Cactus plant employs more than 3,600 team members and partners closely with regional cattle producers, purchasing approximately $3.3 billion in livestock annually.

“By modernising and expanding our Cactus facility, we are ensuring that our business and the thousands of families who depend on it remain positioned for success now and in the future,” Batista Filho continued.

State and local officials emphasised the economic significance of the expansion for Texas producers and the broader region, with State Representative Caroline Fairly stating that the project will be transformational for the area.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, JBS USA has expanded its presence in rural communities through its Hometown Strong and Better Futures programmes. Since 2020, the company has invested more than $11 million in Cactus-area projects.