JBS USA announced this week a nearly $20 million expansion of its Plumrose USA prepared foods business in Ottumwa, Iowa, to meet growing foodservice and retail customer demand for high-quality bacon products. The expansion includes additional bacon processing and slicing capacities, bacon equipment upgrades and new state-of-the-art slicing equipment.

The investment will result in 25 new job opportunities at the Ottumwa fresh pork and bacon facility, according to the announcement.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to the Ottumwa community and reinforces our strategy to grow our business through key customer partnerships,” Plumrose USA president Tom Lopez 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.”

The facility upgrades to improve operational efficiencies and enhance product quality will be completed by September 2019. The Ottumwa facility, built in 1976, produces more than 1 billion lb. of fresh pork and bacon products per year, partners with more 1,000 local family farmers and employs more than 2,000 team members.