Prestage Foods, Clinton, N.C., announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art pork processing facility in Eagle Grove, Iowa.

“We are investing in Iowa and specifically Wright County because we believe this plant is good for Iowa, good for agriculture and a good step forward for our family-owned and run business,” says Ron Prestage, division president. “Iowa is the nation’s leading pork producing state, and currently produces more pigs than it can process. This plant will keep the value from processing pigs in this state.”

The $43 million plant is expected to create more than 900 new full-time jobs.

Prestage Farms also plans to buy 40% of the hogs for the plant from independent farmers, creating a new market option for those farmers.

“Prestage fits well with Iowa because, like so many Iowans, our roots are in agriculture and we value our families and communities. Our commitment to local communities and our care for the environment and being good neighbors will continue,” says Scott Prestage, vice president, turkey division.

The new plant will use state-of-the-art systems to clean the air, reduce water and energy needs and provide a safe work environment. For example, it will use the most modern “air scrubbing” technology and incorporate a water reuse program, as well as utilize the latest innovations in processing and automation technology.

“We value our culture of care and concern for individuals. In our turkey processing plant that started in 2004, we have many employees that have been with us for more than a decade,” says John Prestage, division president. “Our family and managers are in the plants, and employees are cross-trained within departments and rotate through departments, which has been key to providing a positive work environment, and we plan to do the same in the new pork processing plant.”

Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2016, completion and first-shift operations beginning in mid-2018.