JBS to invest US$37.8M in Seara facilities across Brazil
Four sites in Santa Catarina to receive upgrades; 278 new jobs expected.
BRAZIL – JBS is channeling US$37.8 million (BRL 216 million) into expanding and modernising four Seara units in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
The company confirmed that the investment will lead to the creation of 278 direct jobs across the affected locations.
The announcement was made on May 6 by JBS president João Campos during a public event attended by Santa Catarina governor Jorginho Mello, who has launched a new initiative aimed at attracting industrial projects to the state.
Founded in 1956, Seara is a global brand under JBS with operations spanning fresh and frozen pork and poultry products.
Itapiranga and Bom Retiro receive bulk of funding
Of the total investment, US$17.1 million (BRL 98 million) will be allocated to the pork unit in Itapiranga, where daily processing capacity will increase by 600 pigs.
Meanwhile, the Bom Retiro site is set to receive US$15.6 million (BRL 89 million) for the construction of a breeding stock farm intended to strengthen the company’s pork supply chain.
In addition to pork operations, the investment plan also includes upgrades to poultry facilities in Itaiópolis and Nova Veneza.
The Itaiópolis plant will undergo operational modernisation and an expanded product line supported by US$2.6 million (BRL 15 million) in funding.
Similarly, Nova Veneza will benefit from US$2.4 million (BRL 14 million) to raise processing speed, allowing the site to handle an additional 38,000 birds per day.
Governor Mello described the project as a positive step for local employment and economic growth, adding that Seara already plays a significant role in the region’s food industry.
JBS advances New York listing plans
Separately, JBS is moving forward with plans to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange as part of a dual listing strategy.
According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company may hold a board meeting on April 22 to authorise a general shareholders’ meeting.
That shareholder vote is expected to occur around May 23, with trading on the NYSE potentially beginning on June 12.
However, the proposed timeline depends on the SEC’s approval of the company’s registration on Form F-4, which remains under review.
A source with knowledge of the matter said the SEC requested the tentative schedule for internal planning, though the dates are not final.
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