JBS USA will invest nearly $20 million to expand its Plumrose USA prepared foods business in Ottumwa, Iowa, to meet growing demand for bacon products.
The expansion includes additional bacon processing and slicing capacities, bacon equipment upgrades and new slicing equipment. It is expected the upgrades will be completed by 2019, creating 25 new jobs.
Built in 1976, the Ottumwa facility produces more than 1 billion pounds of fresh pork and bacon products per year.
Last year, JBS appointed former Kraft-Heinz executive Thomas Lopez to lead Plumrose.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to the Ottumwa community and reinforces our strategy to grow our business through key customer partnerships,” he said.
“This significant investment will create more opportunities for local producers, strengthen our leading portfolio of high-quality, value-added pork products, and support the growth aspirations of key customers.”
JBS bought Plumrose USA from Danish Crown in 2017 in a deal worth $230 million. At the time of the acquisition, the business had annual net revenues of around $500 million.
Plumrose offers an array of branded, prepared foods, including bacon, hams, sliced deli meats and cooked ribs.
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