JBS USA, a leading U.S.-based, global food company, announced May 29 a $95 million expansion project at its Grand Island, Neb., beef production facility. The project includes improved new animal handling facilities, a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration designed to improve the team member experience, food safety and product quality.

JBS said the 107,000 sq. ft. expansion and facility enhancements will better position it to sustainably meet evolving customer and consumer expectations for high-quality, great-tasting U.S. beef products. The expansion project has already begun and is anticipated to be completed in early 2021. Operations at Grand Island will continue uninterrupted throughout project execution, the company added.

"Today’s announced expansion is an important strategic investment to secure Grand Island as an unquestioned leader in food quality, animal care and beef innovation for years to come,” JBS USA fed beef president Tim Schellpeper said. “Around the world, from North and South America to Asia and Africa, consumers crave the superior taste and quality of American beef. Partnering with leading Nebraska and other area beef producers, we are proud to invest in a vibrant future for U.S. beef.”

Located in the heart of American cattle country in central Nebraska, JBS Grand Island partners with more than 670 local producers to export U.S. beef to more than 30 countries around the world, including Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Singapore, under signature brands such as 1855 Black Angus, Swift and Swift Black Angus. The expansion project will allow the company to strategically capitalize on increased international demand forecasts for high-quality U.S. beef and value-added beef products.

“JBS Grand Island has been a standard bearer for American beef for over half a century,” Grand Island plant manager Zack Ireland said. “Our team sends the best U.S. beef products the country has to offer to customers both domestically and globally. Today’s announcement strengthens our long-standing commitment to local farmers and ranchers, our team members, key customers and the community of Grand Island, whose support has been critical to our ongoing success.”

Originally built in 1965 by Swift & Co., the Grand Island beef facility joined the JBS USA family in 2007 and produces nearly 1 billion lb. of quality beef and beef products each year.