GREELEY, COLO. – JBS USA has announced plans to invest nearly $20 million in an expansion of its subsidiary Plumrose USA prepared foods business in Ottumwa, Iowa. The company said the expansion was necessary to meet the growing food service and retail customer demand for bacon products.

Bacon equipment upgrades and new slicing equipment are also part of the expansion. JBS said the new investment will result in 25 new job opportunities at the Iowa pork and bacon facility.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to the Ottumwa community and reinforces our strategy to grow our business through key customer partnerships,” Tom Lopez, president of Plumrose USA, said on Feb. 11. “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 Ottumwa facility was built in 1976 and produces more than 1 billion lbs of fresh pork and bacon products per year. The facility employs more than 2,000 people and works with more than 1,000 local farmers.

JBS USA acquired Plumrose USA, then a subsidiary of Danish Crown A/S, for $230 million back in March 2017.