DES MOINES – The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded to Quality Food Processors LLC (QFP) $1 million in financial assistance as the company prepares to expand its bacon processing plant in Dennison, Iowa. The funds are provided through the Iowa’s Economic Development Set-Aside (EDSA) program.

Local officials in Dennison said the expansion couldn’t have come at a better time. Tyson Fresh Meats, a unit of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc., announced plans to close its beef plant in Dennison, which will affect 400 workers.


QFP’s plant expansion is expected to create 195 jobs at a wage of $12.70 per hour which was a requirement for the company to receive the funding. The company planned the expansion after signing a new, long-term supply agreement with Monogram Prepared Foods. QFP needs to expand and upgrade its existing bacon processing operations to house a new bacon cooking line.

QFP produces bacon and cooked meats by processing on contract for 10 customers, including brands such as King Cotton and Blue Ribbon.