TLAHUALILO, Mexico – Officials with Mexico’s SuKarne announced that construction on its $110 million, integrated beef processing plant has begun. The first of the two-phase project will include building a meat-processing plant and later, a feedlot with a capacity of 70,000 head of cattle. The facility is expected to create 1,200 jobs, according to a press release.

Approximately $40 million is budgeted for what the company referred to in a statement as “the largest and most advanced meat-processing plant in Mexico,” built to meet strict environmental standards and international food safety standards.

The integrated facility is being developed with what the company refers to as a “new model of alliance” with livestock producers in the region. No timeline was mentioned as to when the facility would be completed.

“In recent years we have worked with many local suppliers, said Jesus Vizcarra, president of the company’s business group, “and today we’re launching with them a new model of alliance, built on each other’s strengths. This model will give rise to Mexico’s largest complex for beef production and processing, where all participants will jointly invest more than $300 million.”