Although financial problems have been cited for preventing the new Northern Beef Packers plant from opening, plant officials recently said their facility finally has the finances committed that will allow finishing and opening the plant in the near future.
The new beef plant would generate more an estimated $10 billion to the region, indirectly creating nearly 8,300 jobs, predicts consultant Rod Bowling, who conducted an economic study on the plant. The plant currently employs more than 200 people.
No official date has been announced as to when the new plant might open, but Laure Swanson with Northern Beef said that could happen within the next few weeks.
