New Prestage Foods Processing Facility gets Green Light in Iowa
US - Iowa pig farmers, especially those who raise and sell their own pigs, are celebrating the news that a new pork processing facility will be built near Eagle Grove in Wright County.The Wright County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the development agreement enabling Prestage Foods of Iowa to build a $240 million pork processing plant near Eagle Grove.
During the past six weeks, several public hearings have taken place to provide information and answer questions about the project. Many business leaders, community organisation members, farmers and citizens supported the project and spoke in favor of the plant’s construction.
“We are pleased that the Wright County Board of Supervisors granted us approval to move forward with this new, state-of-the-art packing plant,” said Ron Prestage, DVM.
“We are investing in Iowa and believe it is good for the state, good for agriculture and good for our family-owned and run business.”
The plant will be a $43 million boost to the payroll in Wright County and will provide economic benefits to surrounding counties as well. More than 900 new full-time jobs will be created with the lowest paid workers beginning at more than $37,000 per year, plus full benefits. Average wages at the plant are expected to be more than $47,000.
“We have been raising hogs in Iowa for more than a decade and plan to buy 40 per cent of the hogs for the plant from local, independent farmers,” says Mr Prestage.
“This will help these farmers cut back on transportation costs and keeps the value in the state.”
“We look forward to completing the design for the plant, selecting businesses to work with for plant building supplies and construction, and breaking ground in early spring 2017,” said Prestage Foods Chief Operating Officer Jere Null.
The plant is scheduled to be completed in late 2018.