GREEN BAY, WI. – American Foods Group LLC (AFG) announced on Sept. 12 that it began construction on its new $800 million beef processing plant in Wright City, Mo. 

The company, which is calling the facility America’s Heartland Packing LLC, said the 775,000-square-foot plant includes a harvest floor, carcass chillers, fabrication area, rendering, further processing area, storage coolers, freezers and loading docks. 

“Today marks the start of our future in Warren County, Mo., the addition of industry needed hook space and fulfilling the needs of our customers, partners, and consumers for beef demand,” said Steve Van Lannen, president and chief operating officer of American Foods Group.

AFG projects that the operation will process more than 2,400 cattle per day. It is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

Following the groundbreaking, Missouri Governor Mike Parson shared his insight into bringing a large beef plant to the Show-Me State.

“As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG to Missouri. This is a major development that will benefit Missouri’s agricultural producers and consumers for years to come,” said Governor Mike Parson. “With $94 billion contributed to our economy annually, we appreciate that agriculture is our number one industry. We couldn’t be more excited for AFG’s expansion in Missouri.” 

The facility is expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in Missouri.

AFG currently has operations in Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.