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JBS to invest $30 million in Souderton plant, preserve about 400 jobs. PUBLISHED: August 11, 2026 at 1:44 PM EDT SOUDERTON - JBS USA has announced that it will transform its Souderton beef-processing plant into a value-added and case-ready operation, preserving approximately 400 jobs through a planned investment of more than $30 million over the next decade. The announcement provides a long-term path forward for the Montgomery County facility, although its beef harvesting and processing operations are still scheduled to end Aug.14, according to the company. JBS said the investment will modernize the plant and expand its capacity to prepare and package meat products for retail customers throughout the Northeast. The company described the plan as a response to changing customer needs and an effort to maintain a significant employment presence in the region. "This outcome allows us to preserve 400 good-paying jobs, strengthen our case-ready business, and continue serving customers in a key consumer market," JBS USA CEO Wesley Batista Filho said. The future of the Souderton facility had been uncertain since JBS announced in June that it would discontinue beef harvesting and processing operations at the plant. Before the agreement, the impending closure threatened the jobs of approximately 1,500 workers represented by UFCW Local 1776 and another 250 management employees. Union leaders previously estimated that the shutdown's broader economic effects could jeopardize more than 2,000 jobs when accounting for suppliers and other businesses connected to the plant. Officials attributed the decision in part to tariffs, drought conditions and a historic shortage of cattle in the United States. Concerns about New World screwworm, a livestock parasite that has disrupted cattle movement from Mexico, have also put pressure on the industry. The latest agreement followed collaboration among the company, Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, BusinessPA, United Food and Commercial Workers representatives, Montgomery County officials and local community leaders. State Sen. Maria Collett welcomed the preservation of approximately 400 jobs while acknowledging that other employees would remain affected by the end of harvesting operations. "No amount of job loss is something to celebrate, and harvesting operations at the plant will still wind down this week," Collett said. "Some of our neighbors are facing a hard road. But I am grateful that hundreds of families in SD 12 were spared that outcome." "I will keep working with Montgomery County officials and UFCW Local 1776 to support any worker still affected, and to see this next chapter at JBS through," Collett added. UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young said the new plan would provide stability for hundreds of workers and their families. "We are grateful for the collaborative efforts that made this outcome possible," Young said, thanking Shapiro, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Montgomery County commissioners, UFCW International and others involved in the discussions. "We look forward to continuing to work with JBS as the facility transitions to case-ready operations," he added. "This announcement provides stability for hundreds of workers and their families while creating a path for long-term success at the Souderton facility." Gov. Shapiro said the facility would remain an important part of Montgomery County's economy. "Pennsylvania's agriculture and manufacturing industries have powered our economy for generations, and we're making sure they continue to drive our future," Shapiro said. "My administration is working to protect good-paying jobs - and this facility will remain an important economic driver for Montgomery County." Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding called the investment "a major win for producers," describing the facility as an economic anchor for workers, farmers, suppliers and nearby businesses. "Its continued operation supports workers and their families while creating stability for farmers, suppliers, local businesses, and the broader food and agriculture sector across the region," Redding said. Following the initial closure announcement, Young and other officials began exploring options to preserve operations, including the possibility of finding a buyer. JBS had not ruled out a sale, but the company's latest plan will keep the facility under its ownership. Batista Filho credited the agreement to cooperation among the public and private sectors. "The solution reflects what can be achieved when business, labor, and government work together toward a common goal," he said. The Souderton plant has operated since 1877 and was acquired by JBS in 2008. It has ranked among Pennsylvania's largest private-sector employers and has long played a significant role in the region's agricultural economy. JBS USA is headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, and is part of Brazil-based JBS S.A., one of the world's largest meat-processing companies. JBS USA sells meat and poultry products in approximately 100 countries and is the majority shareholder of Pilgrim's, a major poultry producer.

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JBS USA to turn Souderton beef plant into value-added operation. Beef processing operations will stop Aug. 14, after which JBS will invest $30M to modernize the facility's value-added and case-ready capabilities. August 11, 2026 JBS USA announced plans to transform its Souderton, Pa., facility into a dedicated value-added operation, preserving approximately 400 jobs and supporting the company's continued growth. As previously announced, beef harvesting and processing operations at the facility will conclude on Aug. 14, 2026. Following the transition, JBS will invest more than $30 million over the next decade to modernize and enhance the Souderton facility's value-added and case-ready capabilities. The company expects the conversion to further strengthen its ability to deliver high-quality, value-added protein products to customers throughout the Northeast while maintaining a significant employment presence in Montgomery County. The decision follows extensive collaboration among JBS USA, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, BusinessPA, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) leadership, Montgomery County officials and local community stakeholders. "This outcome allows us to preserve 400 good-paying jobs, strengthen our case-ready business and continue serving customers in a key consumer market," said Wesley Batista Filho, chief executive officer of JBS USA. The solution reflects what can be achieved when business, labor and government work together toward a common goal. "We would like to thank Governor Shapiro, the BusinessPA team, Secretary Redding and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, UFCW leadership, Montgomery County officials and local community leaders for their partnership and commitment throughout this process," Batista Filho said. The Souderton transition reflects JBS USA's focus on aligning its operations with evolving customer needs while creating a sustainable path forward for the facility and its workforce. Gov. Shapiro said: "Pennsylvania's agriculture and manufacturing industries have powered our economy for generations, and we're making sure they continue to drive our future. My Administration is working to protect good-paying jobs - and this facility will remain an important economic driver for Montgomery County. We were proud to work alongside JBS, UFCW and community leaders to support Pennsylvania farmers, strengthen our food supply chain and support JBS's continued investment in the Commonwealth." UFCW Local 1776 president Wendell Young said: "We are grateful for the collaborative efforts that made this outcome possible and want to thank Gov. Shapiro, Congressman Fitzpatrick, the Montgomery County Commissioners, UFCW International and everyone who worked diligently on behalf of our members throughout this process. We look forward to continuing to work with JBS as the facility transitions to case-ready operations. This announcement provides stability for hundreds of workers and their families while creating a path for long-term success at the Souderton facility." UFCW Local 1776 represents 35,000 members who work throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Ohio in grocery and drug stores, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities and other sites. Redding said, "This investment is a major win for producers, protecting family-sustaining jobs and preserving a facility that serves as an important economic anchor for the region. Its continued operation supports workers and their families while creating stability for farmers, suppliers, local businesses and the broader food and agriculture sector across the region. We appreciate JBS's commitment to Souderton and recognize the strong partnership that helped secure this important investment." BEEF Magazine is the source for beef production, management and market news.