Animal protein processor JBS USA has unveiled a $95m expansion plan for its Grand Island, Nebraska, beef production facility.
The investment will see the creation of animal handling facilities, as well as temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration that is expected to further improve team member experience, food safety and product quality.
JBS USA anticipates that with 107,000ft² expansion, as well as facility enhancements, it will be able to sustainably meet customer and consumer expectations for quality US beef products.
The company noted that the facility expansion is already underway, and is expected to be completed by early 2021.
JBS USA Fed Beef president Tim Schellpeper said: “Today’s announced expansion is an important strategic investment to secure Grand Island as an unquestioned leader in food quality, animal care and beef innovation for years to come.
“Around the world, from North and South America to Asia and Africa, consumers crave the superior taste and quality of American beef. Partnering with leading Nebraska and other area beef producers, we are proud to invest in a vibrant future for US beef.”
Located in central Nebraska, JBS Grand Island currently collaborates with more than 670 local producers to export US beef to more than 30 countries across the globe, including Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Singapore.
The beef products are exported under various brands, such as 1855 Black Angus, Swift and Swift Black Angus.
Grand Island plant manager Zack Ireland said: “JBS Grand Island has been a standard-bearer for American beef for over half a century.
“Our team sends the best US beef products the country has to offer to customers both domestically and globally. Today’s announcement strengthens our long-standing commitment to local farmers and ranchers, our team members, key customers and the community of Grand Island, whose support has been critical to our ongoing success.”
JBS USA acquired the Grand Island beef facility in 2007. This facility was originally built by Swift & Company in 1965 and has a production capacity of approximately one billion pounds of beef products each year.
