March 6, 2013

Walker River Meat Processing plant to break ground soon

In five to six weeks the Walker River Meat Processing Inc. proposed in western Nevada could break ground and be operating by March 2014.

Vincent Estell, chief executive of Walker River Meat Processing Inc., told a meeting of the Mason Valley Chamber of Commerce last month that the 1,700-acre facility would employ more than 700 people and include three structures totalling about 500,000 square feet.

The multi-species facility already has commitments for more than 300,000 head of livestock, and plans are progressing at a steady pace, Estell was quoted as saying. The plant could produce 1,500 tonnes in an eight-hour shift at maximum production, but that is not anticipated during the first couple of years.

Officials in Lyon County, Nev., in August approved plans for the plant to be built in the town of Wabuska. The plant is expected to process sheep, cattle and hogs.