JBS to invest US$135M in sausage plant in USA, expands its electric truck fleet

USA – JBS USA has unveiled plans to construct a sausage processing facility worth US$135 million in Perry, Iowa.

Construction of the new plant is expected to begin in late 2025 once the project secures local approvals, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.

The facility will be designed to produce up to 130 million pounds of sausage annually, processing around 500,000 hogs each year.

Initial operations will begin with 250 employees working a single shift, but the workforce is projected to grow to 500 as the company introduces a second shift.

Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, said the location was chosen due to Perry’s reputation for agriculture and a labor force familiar with food production work.

He added that the company intends to maintain a long-term presence in the area, provided the community approves the project.

The proposed development comes as part of JBS USA’s broader strategy to grow its processing capabilities within the United States.

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed his support for the project, citing the company’s investment history in other communities where it has operations.

Cavanaugh described the project as a potential turning point for Perry, especially in terms of employment and economic activity.

He noted that the facility is likely to bring benefits beyond job creation, including improvements to public services such as schools, roads, and local businesses.

Shift Toward Sustainability

In addition to expanding its processing infrastructure, JBS has also been growing its electric truck fleet under its subsidiary, Carbon.

The company reported that it now operates 281 electric trucks, which are used to serve its Friboi and Seara brands in various regions.

According to JBS, the use of these trucks has helped prevent more than 5,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

This move away from diesel-powered transport is part of the company’s broader sustainability efforts.

The new developments reflect JBS USA’s continued investments in both production and environmental initiatives within its supply chain.

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