JBS USA has announced a $135 million investment to build a new state-of-the-art sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa—offering a much-needed economic revival to the region while reinforcing its position in the U.S. swine processing sector.
The facility is expected to create 500 full-time jobs and 250 construction roles, with building scheduled to begin in late 2025 and operations anticipated by the end of 2026. Once operational, the plant will process approximately 500,000 sows annually, producing an estimated 130 million pounds of sausage.
The new plant will initially run one shift with 250 workers and has capacity to expand to a second shift as demand grows.
“This is a game-changer for Perry,” said Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh. “This plant will bring jobs, infrastructure support, and momentum to our entire community.”
The move comes a year after the closure of Tyson Foods’ pork processing plant in Perry, which displaced more than 1,200 workers. JBS’s investment offers a path to recovery for the town of approximately 8,000 residents.
Aaron Juergens, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, also applauded the project, calling it a “win for pork producers and rural Iowa.” The new facility is expected to strengthen the demand for sows and support surrounding swine farms and supply chains.
JBS also plans to expand its Hometown Strong and Better Futures initiatives to Perry—offering community investment and educational opportunities for employees and their families.
Pending city approval to rezone the proposed site from agricultural to heavy industrial use, this project marks a bold step in the continued transformation of pork processing in the Midwest.
Stay tuned to Swine Web for more updates on industry infrastructure, investments, and opportunities.
