JBS USA to invest US$135M to build a new sausage plant

USA – JBS USA has revealed plans to construct a large-scale sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa, with an investment of US$135 million.

According to the company, the proposed facility is expected to generate 500 direct jobs once operational and offer around 250 jobs during the construction phase.

The construction is scheduled to begin later this year, pending local approvals, with production anticipated to start in the second quarter of 2026.

This would be the company’s first plant focused solely on sausage manufacturing and is projected to produce 60,000 tons of product annually.

To meet this target, the plant will process about 500,000 hogs each year, with the potential to serve over four million consumers across the country.

JBS USA CEO Wesley Batista Filho said the decision to build in Perry is influenced by the town’s farming background and the community’s connection to the food industry.

He added that if the project is approved by local stakeholders, the plant would bring long-term employment and economic opportunities to the area.

The facility is part of JBS USA’s broader expansion strategy, aimed at increasing its role in food production while also supporting development in rural locations.

City leaders in Perry have reacted positively to the news, with Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh calling it a major development for the town’s economy.

He stated that the plant could lead to improved infrastructure, stronger support for local businesses, and added revenue for schools and community services.

The announcement has also been welcomed by the agricultural sector, particularly pork producers in Iowa who view the facility as a new outlet for their livestock.

Aaron Juergens, a hog farmer and president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, said the plant reinforces Iowa’s position in the pork industry and helps sustain farming communities.

Beyond production, JBS USA intends to implement its Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs in Perry, which focus on local development and education support.

The Hometown Strong initiative has already directed over US$100 million into projects such as daycare centers, parks, schools, and housing across North America.

Meanwhile, the Better Futures program offers free community college tuition to employees and their children, aiming to improve long-term career prospects for local families.

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