PERRY, IOWA – JBS USA marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new state-of-the-art sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa, on October 14, 2025.
“Today was a chilly but monumental day for the City of Perry as well as the state of Iowa,” a statement from the city of Perry read. “JBS USA has now officially broken ground on a major new pork processing and sausage production facility, representing a significant investment in the company’s growing prepared foods business and its long-term commitment to the U.S. pork industry.”
The company is investing $135 million in the project, which is expected to create 500 direct jobs. The event was held at the Perry Industrial Park, and featured remarks from JBS USA leadership, photo opportunities and attendance from local officials and community members.
The new facility will play a key role in expanding JBS’s value-added pork capacity, focusing on advanced sausage production and integrating directly with the company’s existing network of plants.
The existing plan for the new construction is for a $135 million manufacturing plant that will start with 250 available jobs, but then eventually grow to a total of 500 jobs.
Back in May, JBS USA announced plans to invest $135 million to build a state-of-the-art sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.
Operations are expected to commence in late 2026.
The new facility plans to produce 130 million pounds of sausage, processing 500,000 sows each year. This output can feed more than four million people nationwide annually, helping meet growing consumer demand for high-quality protein.
“Perry represents everything we value in a community: hard work, strong producer roots, and people who understand the importance of feeding America,” said Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA. “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.”
The investment is part of JBS USA’s broader strategy to serve as America’s leading food producer, while strengthening rural communities through job creation, economic development, and community support programs. Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the local economy and workforce.
“This is a potential game-changer for Perry,” said Mayor Cavanaugh. “JBS USA’s intentions to invest here reflects 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.”
This project also has the potential to create opportunities for pork producers.
“We’re excited to see continued investment in Iowa’s pork industry with the proposed opening of this new processing facility,” said Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll and president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “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.”
(TOP PHOTO via city of Perry)