Industry News - PM

New Missouri pork plant to create 160 jobs


By Rita Jane Gabbett on 7/29/2016

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced pork processor Moon Ridge Foods cut the ribbon on its flagship processing facility in Pleasant Hope, Mo. The project will create 160 new jobs and represents an investment of $54 million over the next two years.

Moon Ridge Foods has installed next generation equipment and technology into its 110,000 square-foot facility, which will process about 600,000 hogs annually once up and running. Production will begin ramping up in late August.

“We want to create a company that sustains families and communities, throughout the value chain. It’s about farming and processing practices that are respectful to its workers, the welfare of the animals and enhance our natural resources,” said Russ Kremer, co-founder and CEO of the company.

Moon Ridge Foods is a farm-to-plate operation that will produce, process and market pork products.

The company has hired an experienced management team led by former Tyson Foods and Swift executive Dave Weaver. Other team members have held key management positions for Kraft Foods, Sara Lee, Excel, Columbus Foods, Seaboard Foods and Nestle.

Producer suppliers will use exclusive lines of the Duroc breed and follow strict feeding protocols to ensure marbling, color, tenderness and juiciness.

A high priority was placed on animal welfare in the plant design, with welfare-considerate technology in humane harvesting. Also, humane handling and resting procedures have been implemented, according to a news release issued by DED.

Energy efficiency was a key consideration for the facility’s operations. This will be the first U.S. pork processing plant to use snap chilling technology to boost shelf life, quality, processing and freshness while reducing energy use and its carbon footprint. In addition to energy efficiency technologies for production processes, the company plans to use renewable energy including solar and wind.

Approximately 30 percent of the pork produced by Moon Ridge Foods will be exported to new markets in Asia.

The project’s primary funding was provided by the founding owners and the local Bank of Sullivan. Additional funding included Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing through Show-Me PACE, a program administered by the non-profit Missouri Energy Initiative. PACE uses private capital to pay for energy and water improvements to a property.

To assist Moon Ridge Foods, DED has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation criteria.


 
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