DES MOINES, IOWA - The former Agriprocessors Inc. meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa is producing beef for the first time since a May 2008 immigration raid, said new owner Hershey Friedman, chief executive officer of Agri Star Meat and Poultry. The facility began slaughtering beef several weeks ago, according to The Associated Press.

Mr. Friedman, who bought the plant eight months ago, said Agri Star Meat and Poultry is currently slaughtering about 90 head of cattle each day, which is more than 87% fewer cattle than Agriprocessors produced at the peak of its business. The new plant currently employs 560 people.

AP further relays Agri Star Meat and Poultry was recently given $600,000 in state assistance, plus tax credits, to help update machinery in its processing facility.