JBS Canada has broken ground on an $80 million storage and distribution centre in Newell County.
“It’s a worthwhile investment that will increase capacity. That’s what they really talk about, is their shipping capacity, not their production capacity,” said Mitchell Iwaasa, economic development officer for the region of Brooks/Newell.
“This is really about distribution and shipping and the ability to ship more efficiently and ship higher volumes,” he said.
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The new plant will include a beef patty production line, with Wendy’s fast-food restaurant as its main customer. Iwaasa said the plant will supply Wendy’s across western Canada. There will be storage facilities and shipping facilities at the new plant.
“I do know that they are looking at expanding and improving their automation, and most of that was in the warehousing and shipping side of it. The automated shipping facility will allow the plant to fill their orders quickly and more efficiently, and track their materials,” said Iwaasa.
The new plant will help JBS reduce their storage costs, because they don’t have to hold things in distribution as long.
“Worker safety is a big one too. When you go to an automated system, it reduces the day-to-day potential for injuries of lifting and carrying and moving things,” said Iwaasa.
The centre will increase the shipping capacity of the JBS Canada Brooks facility by up to 40 per cent and minimize errors.
The event was attended by numerous officials, including Premier Danielle Smith.
The new plant will drive the economy, housing industry and growth of the region of Brooks/Newell.
“Here’s a multinational company that’s investing in southern Alberta and showing a commitment, not just to our community in terms of workforce and keeping our economy growing,” said Iwaasa. “It’s a commitment to the beef industry, that says ‘hey, we’re committed to buying your product in the long term. An investment like this will take years to see the full rewards,” he said.
Construction on the new plant will start right away and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
