The Largest Meatpacking Plants in the U.S.

Posted by IndustrySelect on Wednesday, July 20,

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5 MIN. READ

Meatpacking plants fall under the agricultural sector in the U.S. economy. Agricultural, food and related industries contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product in . The food manufacturing portion accounted for 2 million jobs, with meat and poultry manufacturing comprising about 1/3 of these positions. A powerful subsector, the meatpacking industry employs hundreds of thousands and has posted strong growth in the past year, making it a top industry to navigate. This article will explore key insights and data concerning the industry while highlighting some of the largest meatpacking enterprises located in the United States.

Key Insights & Data on the U.S. Meatpacking Industry

Data compiled by MNI indicates that the U.S. meatpacking industry comprises 2,276 companies nationwide, providing employment for 204,306 individuals. Over the last year, the sector experienced a modest increase in employment by 0.5%.

The latest sales figures reported to MNI reflect an impressive $150 billion in meatpacking, marking a 2.1% rise over the last year. Interestingly, 90% of the finished products navigate the domestic market, as opposed to 70% of other manufacturing sectors relying on domestic distribution.

In terms of geography, the Midwest boasts the highest density of meatpacking manufacturers, accounting for 45% of the total, followed by the Southern region with 28%. The Northeast and West account for 11% and 16%, respectively.

Furthermore, MNI reveals that 5% of meatpacking facilities are publicly owned, while 1% are run by women entrepreneurs.

Leading U.S. Meatpacking Facilities

Here, we present a list of the largest meatpacking operations in the U.S., ranked by employee count.

CompanyCityState Number of Employees
Smithfield Foods, Inc.Tar HeelNC5,000
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.AmarilloTX4,200
Tyson Fresh MeatsAmarilloTX4,000
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.Dakota CityNE4,000
Cargill, Inc.WayzataMN3,500
JBSGrand IslandNE3,500
JBSCactusTX3,450
JBS USAGreeleyCO3,200
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.HolcombKS3,100
National Beef Packing Co., LLCDodge CityKS3,000

Highlighting Major Meatpacking Facilities

Smithfield Foods, Inc., based in Tar Heel, North Carolina, proudly employs 5,000 individuals. The company has implemented proactive measures in response to COVID-19, aimed at ensuring the safety of its workforce and securing the nation's food supply chain. Recognizing exceptional contributions among employees, Smithfield acknowledges an individual who received an award for initiatives that benefited the company operationally, economically, and sustainably.

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. has its headquarters in Amarillo, Texas, where 4,200 employees adhere to the foundational principles established by its founder during the Great Depression, notably the commitment to providing a high-quality, 100% natural product. Throughout the years, Tyson has emerged as a trailblazer in poultry supply chain management, continually innovating through the Tyson Discovery Center, which anticipates and adapts to food trends.

In Dakota City, Nebraska, another Tyson Fresh Meats facility employs 4,000 workers who focus on preparing a variety of packaged goods, including fresh chicken, pre-seasoned options, meal kits, and an assortment of frozen chicken products.

Cargill, Inc. emphasizes the health and safety of its workforce, comprising 3,500 employees, particularly throughout the COVID-19 crisis. By collaborating with global health professionals, Cargill consistently enhances safety measures within its Wayzata, Minnesota facility. This dedication includes establishing a disaster relief fund to assist employees affected by the pandemic.

In Grand Island, Nebraska, JBS employs 3,500 individuals who produce a diverse range of beef products, including the famous® and Swift® brands, which are shipped domestically and internationally to locations such as Japan, Hong Kong, and China. JBS also promotes community engagement, encouraging employees to participate in local charitable efforts.

Cactus, Texas houses another JBS plant, employing 3,450 individuals focused on producing quality beef for domestic consumption, accounting for 80%, and exports, making up 20%. Employees at this facility also engage actively in community service initiatives.

Located in Greeley, Colorado, JBS USA employs 3,200 workers at a facility that exports over 30% of its products to varying countries around the globe, while also prioritizing community outreach and support programs.

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. maintains a plant in Holcomb, Kansas, where 3,100 employees contribute to the operations of what is recognized as the world's largest food processing enterprise. Tyson is devoted to sustainability, exploring innovative paths toward responsible production.

Lastly, National Beef Packing Co., LLC, operating in Dodge City, Kansas, stands out as one of the highest-volume plants globally, with 3,000 employees solely processing family-raised, corn-fed Black Angus beef tailored for the meatpacking sector.

For those seeking industrial sales leads in meatpacking, food processing, or other fields, IndustrySelect delivers comprehensive profiles of 500,000 industrial entities and one million executives, specializing in meatpacking information. Backed by MNI, a reputable data compiler since its inception, these company profiles are thoroughly verified and updated regularly by a dedicated research team. Consider reviewing a sample profile for further insights.

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