In a significant shift, meat titan JBS has announced the closure of a case-ready production plant located in the United States, which will unfortunately impact over 300 employees.
As indicated in a WARN notice submitted to California’s Employment Development Department, the Swift Beef Company facility situated in Riverside is scheduled to cease operations on February 2nd. This closure will affect approximately 374 jobs, highlighting the far-reaching implications for the local workforce.
In a statement, JBS USA, the American division of the Brazilian meat powerhouse, elaborated that this decision aligns with their overarching strategy to “optimize its value-added and case-ready business” while simultaneously “simplifying” operational processes.
The company has indicated that production will be redirected to other, currently undisclosed, JBS facilities, thereby aiming to maintain operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the statement clarified, “Opportunities will be made available at other JBS facilities, including relocation support for those interested.” This effort shows JBS’s commitment to supporting their workforce during this transition.
For employees who cannot or choose not to relocate, JBS plans to provide a 60-day notice period to facilitate their transition.
In a similar vein, last month, JBS’s competitor, Tyson Foods, announced its intention to close a beef-processing plant in Nebraska as part of a broader initiative to “right size” its struggling meat segment.
Following a year marked by declining beef volumes and having reported an adjusted operating loss for that segment in fiscal year 2026, Tyson Foods plans to convert its beef facility in Amarillo, Texas, into a single, “full-capacity” shift.
Meanwhile, JBS continues to explore opportunities for growth within the U.S. market. In February, the company revealed a substantial $200 million strategy aimed at enhancing beef production capacity in Texas and Colorado. Additionally, in May, JBS declared its intention to invest $135 million in a new sausage manufacturing facility in Perry, Iowa, which is expected to create 500 jobs, thereby boosting local employment.
In a further bid to enhance its operational capacity, JBS recently acquired a former Hy-Vee facility in Ankeny, Iowa, and plans to invest $100 million to upgrade the site for bacon and sausage production.
