JBS USA announced plans to invest $135 million to build a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa. The project aims to create 500 full-time jobs once fully operational and about 250 construction jobs during the building phase. Construction is expected to start in late 2025, with production beginning in late 2026.
The new plant will process 500,000 sows annually and produce approximately 130 million pounds of sausage each year. This output is enough to feed over four million people nationwide. The facility will initially operate one shift with 250 employees and plans to expand to two shifts as demand grows.
This investment comes about a year after Tyson Foods closed its pork plant in Perry, which had employed 1,300 workers. Perry’s mayor, Dirk Cavanaugh, called the JBS project a “potential game-changer” for the community, highlighting the long-term benefits for local schools, infrastructure, and businesses.
JBS USA CEO Wesley Batista Filho emphasized the company’s commitment to rural America and the strength of the U.S. market. He said the facility will promote job creation and economic stability in the region. The company also plans to support local pork producers by sourcing from Iowa and surrounding states.
The project still requires city and state approvals, including rezoning the land from agricultural to industrial and qualifying for state incentives. If approved, the plant will strengthen Iowa’s leadership in pork production and support the rural communities that are vital to the state’s agriculture.
JBS USA also plans to extend its community programs, such as Hometown Strong and Better Futures, to Perry. These initiatives support local development, education, and workforce training, aiming to build a stronger community beyond the factory walls.
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