JBS USA to close Pennsylvania beef plant

GREELEY, COLO. — JBS USA announced on June 12 it will close its beef production facility in Souderton, Penn., and its Empire Packing plant, a value-added operation in Memphis, Tenn.

“These decisions are never easy because they directly affect our team members and the communities where we operate,” said Wesley Batista Filho, chief executive officer of JBS USA. “We are deeply grateful to the team members at these facilities for their efforts and contributions over many years. Our focus right now is on supporting them with transparency, respect and access to new opportunities wherever possible.”

The Souderton facility employed approximately 1,700 people, with a processing capacity of around 2,000 cattle per day. The plant in Memphis employed about 200 people.

JBS acquired Empire Packing in 2020, which included the case-ready processing facility in Memphis.

The company said employees can apply for open roles at other US facilities. JBS noted there will be on-site support and resources to assist employees at each plant.

JBS USA said the closures are part of its strategy for growth, modernization and long-term competitiveness. The company referenced its investments in plants in Texas, Georgia and Iowa.

“JBS USA is investing heavily in the United States and in the future of food production,” Batista Filho said. “At the same time, we must ensure our operations are efficient, modern and positioned to compete. By investing where we are growing and making difficult adjustments where needed, we are building a stronger and more resilient company.”

Production from the affected facilities will be absorbed by other plants in its network, according to JBS.

“Demand for high-quality protein continues to grow, and we are committed to meeting that demand as a reliable partner to our customers, producers and communities,” Batista Filho said.

This is the latest in several beef industry disruptions over the last year.

At the start of 2026, Tyson Foods closed its beef processing plant in Lexington, Neb., resulting in the layoff of around 3,200 workers. Reports stated that almost 5% of the United States’ total beef capacity was removed due to the closure. Tyson also eliminated a shift at its Amarillo beef plant.

Earlier this year, JBS USA had a three-week-long labor strike at its beef plant in Greeley, Colo., which employs around 3,800 people. A new deal was ratified in April.

Meanwhile, Cargill continues to hold a lockout of its Fort Morgan, Colo., facility, which includes about 1,700 workers.

Source: JBS USA to close Pennsylvania beef plant (2026, June 12). Meat + Poultry. https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/33649-jbs-usa-to-close-pennsylvania-beef-plant