A Cargill beef processing plant in Dodge City, Kan., may be closed for several days after a fire damaged the facility Dec. 23, according to news reports. Mike Martin, Cargill spokesman, told Meat&Poultry on Dec. 26 that roofing contractors were on the site while the plant is operating in a “clean-up” mode.
“Tomorrow, we anticipate fabrication work beginning on second shift, and possibly some harvesting as well,” Martin said.
The plant was evacuated when the fire broke out around 9 p.m. on the kill floor. Fire crews spent several hours extinguishing the flames, according Reuters. The plant was evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
“The cause remains under investigation,” Martin noted. “Damage to the plant is currently estimated at approximately $250,000, and consists of roofing materials, insulation and some electrical conduit.”
The plant was scheduled to be closed for the Christmas holidays, but now officials reported the facility will remain closed for the rest of the week.
The Dodge City plant supplies beef products to retail, foodservice and processed foods customers throughout the US and internationally. The facility spans 1,400 acres and processes 6,000 head of cattle per day. Nearly 2,700 employees work at the Dodge City plant.
