JBS USA Announces $135 Million Investment in New Sausage Plant in Perry, Iowa

JBS USA, one of the world’s largest food companies, has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa. This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to community development and sustainability, while working to strengthen the local economy and meet growing national demand for high-quality protein.

A transformative investment in Perry, Iowa

JBS USA will invest $135 million to construct the facility, with plans to create 500 direct jobs and approximately 250 local construction jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with operations expected to start in late 2026.

The new facility is projected to produce 130 million pounds of sausage annually, processing approximately 500,000 sows each year. This output could feed over four million people across the country every year.

Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, emphasized: “Perry represents everything we value in a community: hard work, strong producer roots, and people who understand the importance of feeding America. This investment underscores our commitment to rural America and our confidence in the strength of the U.S. market. We plan to be a
long-term partner for Perry and, if approved by the community, the facility will help foster job creation and economic stability in the region.”

Local economic impacts and opportunities for agriculture

The facility plans to start operations with 250 team members working one shift, with potential expansion to two shifts and doubling the workforce in the future.

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh welcomed the announcement, highlighting its positive impact on the town. “This is a potential game-changer for Perry,” he said. “JBS USA’s intentions to invest here reflect the resilience and promise of our community. This facility will not only create good-paying jobs but also provide long-term benefits for our schools, infrastructure, and local businesses. We’re looking forward to JBS USA sharing more about their plans for Perry and to building a brighter future together.”

Moreover, the investment opens new opportunities for pork producers. Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer and president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, stated: “We’re excited to see continued investment in Iowa’s pork industry with the proposed opening of this new processing facility. It strengthens our state’s leadership in pork production,
creates new opportunities for pork producers, and supports the rural communities that are the backbone of Iowa agriculture. This is a win for pig farmers, Iowa’s economy, and for the Perry area.”

Commitment to local communities

JBS USA will also extend its signature Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs to Perry, further solidifying its commitment to socio-economic development in rural communities. Through Hometown Strong, the company has invested over $100 million in projects like community centers, affordable housing, school improvements, parks,
and childcare facilities.

The Better Futures program offers free community college tuition for team members and their children, fostering personal and professional growth for families.

Batista Filho reiterated the company’s philosophy: “We believe in giving back to the communities we call home. Our investments in Perry will go beyond dollars—they will help build careers, strengthen families, and ensure a thriving community for generations to come.”

About JBS USA

Headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, JBS USA is a global leader in the food industry, providing diversified, high-quality products to customers in approximately 100 countries across six continents. The company is also the majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s, the world’s largest poultry producer.