JBS USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brazilian meat processor JBS, has opened a new distribution center at its beef processing facility in Grand Island, Nebraska, increasing its storage and product handling capabilities.
The 83,000ft2 center has a storage capacity of 35,000 boxes of beef, providing an immediate advancements in JBS' customer service capabilities.
It features an advanced combo storage system and Meat Master technology system for increased product consistency and quality.
Second phase construction is slated to complete in late spring 2014, resulting in a total storage capacity of 100,000 beef boxes.
The Nebraska facility produces boxed beef, ground beef and case-ready beef products for the company's domestic and global customer base under Swift brand as well as 1855 Black Angus, Swift Black Angus and Certified Angus Beef. It has a capacity to process more than 5,400 head of cattle per day, with a staff of 3,200.
JBS USA fed beef business unit leader Al Byers said, "Installation of the new distribution center is designed to benefit our customers by improving service levels and overall plant effectiveness.
"The system's advanced technology further enhances our ability to meet the unique needs of our customers in domestic and international markets."
"The new distribution center will strengthen our ability to remain a reliable and efficient supplier, while consistently meeting the expectations of our customers," Byers added.
The company is set to install sortation lanes and high-speed palletizers in February 2014 to streamline plant's ability to deliver products to customers worldwide.
