The family-owned American Foods Group, (AFG) has begun construction on its new AFG Beef Processing plant in Warren County, Missouri. Consequently, this $800 million investment is expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact for the state upon completion. Furthermore, over 1,300 employment opportunities would be created in the region with an annual payroll of approximately $80 million.
The groundbreaking for the 775,000-square-foot AFG Beef Processing plant took place recently at a site near Wright City. At the ceremony, Governor Mike Parson praised AFG for investing in the state and welcomed the new development. Parson mentioned that such projects were quite relevant to the agriculture industry, which is one of the state’s top industries. Therefore, he said the new Beef Processing plant would benefit agricultural producers and consumers in Missouri for years to come.
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Timeline and development plans for the AFG Beef Processing plant
AFG has chosen the Kentucky-based Gray Construction company as the general contractor for the AFG Beef Processing plant project. The scheduled delivery date is 2024 and upon completion, the beef plant will process 2,400 head of cattle each day. According to Gray, this is AFG’s sixth harvest facility in the U.S and it will include several amenities for harvest. Several such amenities include a harvest floor, Carcass chillers, Grinds, Fabrication, Rendering, Storage coolers, Freezers, and Loading docks. The company also mentioned that the project would have about 1,200 construction workers on-site at peak building activity.
Gray’s CEO, Brian Jones, said his company takes pride in working with customers like AFG who share similar values. Jones further stated that their partnership with AFG showcases how values combined with experience and expertise can create an outstanding project.
Greater St. Louis, Inc’s CEO, Jason Hall also supported the new AFG Beef Processing plant development. He described the facility as a win for St. Louis, stating that it complements the city’s thriving agricultural and agtech strengths. Hall said it not only boosts economic growth for local farmers and agriculture businesses but also good-paying jobs in Warren County.
