In the US, farmer-owned Farmland Industries and subsidiary Farmland Foods have announced plans to rebuild their pork processing plant located in Albert Lee, Minnesota.
The plant was destroyed by fire in July of 2001 and Farmland officials have been awaiting the outcome of insurance settlements and local economic incentives before proceeding with rebuilding efforts.
The company intends to construct a new $86 million (€91.7m), 380,000 square foot plant at the site located about 90 miles south of Minneapolis. The plant will, on a yearly basis, process pork into 200 million pounds of ham and packaged pork products.
Tentatively scheduled to proceed with construction in the summer of 2002, Farmland plans to have the plant up and running by the winter of 2003 and should have an increased workforce of 200 people in addition to the original workforce of 500 before the fire.
Formed in 1929, Farmland Industries is the largest farmer-owned meat company in North America. The Farmland farm-to-table system, which is 600,000 independent farm families strong, produces and markets quality, wholesome pork and beef products bearing the Farmland "Proud to be farmer owned" brand name.