Swift Prepared Foods, a consumer packaged goods company and subsidiary of JBS USA, a leading global food company, announces plans to build its new Italian meats and charcuterie production facility in Columbia, Mo.
For the past several months, the company has been working to identify the best location for the $200 million greenfield facility that was announced last August. Multiple locations were evaluated and the decision was made to build the plant in Columbia because of the strategic location, business-friendly environment, and the ability to access raw material and leverage synergies with existing strategic assets.
“We are excited to join the Columbia community and to bring good-paying jobs and innovation to the area with the addition of this new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Thomas Lopez, president and chief operating officer, Swift Prepared Foods. “After an extensive review of potential locations, we are confident that Columbia is a great fit for our company, and this decision supports our focus on continued growth.”
The 325,000 sq. ft. Italian meats facility will employ more than 250 people, offering full-time positions with benefits. Construction is set to begin in late April 2021, and the facility will be located at 5008 Paris Rd., Columbia, Mo.
“We’re excited to welcome Swift Prepared Foods to Columbia,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Missouri is a great place for the company to grow its business and develop a world-class workforce. This investment and the jobs it will create will provide many new opportunities for the mid-Missouri region, and we look forward to seeing the company succeed for years to come.”
“This project will further solidify Columbia’s standing in the food manufacturing industry, complementing other great Columbia employers like Aurora Organic Dairy, Kraft Heinz, Quaker Oats and Beyond Meat,” said Brian Treece, Mayor of Columbia. “Having Swift Prepared Foods in our community will bring new living-wage jobs and career opportunities for Columbia families.”
Swift Prepared Foods currently operates six production facilities in Booneville, Miss., Elkhart, Ind., Council Bluffs, Iowa, Ottumwa, Iowa, and Swanton, Vt. Its newest ready-to-eat bacon facility is opening in May in Moberly, Mo. The company was acquired by JBS USA in 2017 and has experienced significant growth since acquisition. Visit swiftpreparedfoods.com to learn more.
“Boone County is pleased to welcome Swift Prepared Foods to our growing list of major food manufacturers and agricultural-based businesses,” said Boone County Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill. “We are confident that Swift Prepared Foods will be a good community partner for local government and our citizens.”
This investment is consistent with the company’s long-term strategy to increase its value-added and branded portfolio with innovative, on-trend products. Globally, JBS is a major player in the value-added, Italian meats category with significant production capabilities and recognized brands in Italy, Australia and Brazil.
