JBS USA, a leading animal protein processor in the U.S., Canada and Australia and a wholly owned subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., announced the opening of a state-of-the-art ground beef production facility at the JBS beef processing plant in Tolleson, Ariz.

The new facility began production last week and includes a modern distribution center and 16,000 square feet of the latest high-tech equipment and systems available. The JBS facility will produce a variety of high-quality ground beef items including Cedar River Farms Natural Beef and Showcase Premium Ground Beef. Customers will be afforded a comprehensive product offering that includes a variety of lean points, packaging formats and raw material specifications to ensure superior customer satisfaction.

"Our innovative ground beef operation was carefully designed to respond and expand quickly to our customers' growing needs," said Bill Rupp, president and COO of JBS USA Beef. "We are excited to provide high-quality, ground beef to our retail, foodservice and distribution customers. Initial customer feedback is very positive."

According to recent studies, 49 percent of American consumers say they eat ground beef, and it accounts for 48 percent of all fresh beef purchased at supermarkets and 67 percent of all beef eaten at food service outlets. Ground beef allows shoppers to stretch their meat dollars and provides enjoyable eating experiences for all occasions.

Source: JBS USA