December 4, 2015

JBS SA to expand processing capabilities of Brazilian plants

JBS SA will be planning for a major expansion of its processing capabilities in Brazil, at an overall cost of BRL1.167 billion (US$310.3 million), the state government website of Mato Grasso do Sul reported.

An amount of BRL500 million (US$133 million) will be invested into doubling the processing capacity of a Dourados-based pork processing plant. This project could create more than 1,500 jobs and is expected to be completed in late 2016.

In addition, there are currently ongoing works on new production lines for two chicken processing facilities in Sidrolândia and Caarapó. According to JBS' estimates, output could increase to 1,398 tonnes monthly and 315 tonnes monthly for both the Sidrolândia and Caarapó sites, respectively.

JBS will also invest in the modernisation of Pedro Bonita, a cold storage complex which the company had acquired. With an investment of BRL490 million (US$130.3 million), the facility will be renovated to support incubators, barns and sheds.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2018.