February 3, 2014
 

National Beef Packing to close California beef processing plant
 

Buoyed by the declining supply of fed cattle, the National Beef Packing Co. has announced plans to close its Brawley, California, beef processing facility in April with approximately 1,300 employees to be affected by the closing.

"This was a very difficult decision for us to make because of the impact on our employees and suppliers," said Tim Klein, CEO of National Beef. "We are optimistic about the long-term prospects for US beef demand and we will continue to focus on expanding our position as the industry leader in value-added beef products."

National Beef, acquired in 2006, has not determined the future status of the facility.

With approximately 8,900 employees and operations in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Missouri, National Beef processes and markets fresh beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet-blue leather for domestic and global markets.