WICHITA, Kan. – Cargill announced plans to invest $2.3 million to install ground beef production and packaging equipment at the company's Wyalusing, Pa. beef processing plant.

The new equipment will boost production capacity to better meet demand for the company's northeast customers, Cargill said. Employment opportunities also will increase because the upgrades will generate 15 to 20 full-time jobs.

“Cargill produces more ground beef than any other company in the world, and demand continues to be strong for this form of protein as an American staple food,” said Andy Ripic, Cargill vice president and plant general manager at Wyalusing. “Our customers have told us they would like us to produce more ground beef to meet demand. With the arrival of spring we will soon be getting into the grilling season, so installing equipment, adding jobs and filling the ground beef needs for retailers we serve in the northeast is a ‘win’ for everyone involved.”

The Wyalusing beef currently employs 1,150 employees who process up to 1,800 head of cattle daily. It is one of the largest beef processing plants on the East Coast. Production includes beef for retail and foodservice customers throughout the northeastern US, and is one of nine beef processing facilities Cargill operates in North America.