WARREN COUNTY, MO. – American Foods Group (AFG), a foodservice and retail supplier of protein, will build its next beef processing facility in Warren County, Mo.

According to the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC), AFG is expected to complete the process of approval by spring 2022. The new location should be operational by the end of 2024. The two sides began working on a location for the new plant in spring 2021. 

“We have been impressed by Warren County and the potential opportunity to become a part of that community,” said Jim Rathke, executive vice president for AFG. “The process will take some time, but we feel very good about what we have seen in Warren County, Missouri.” 

When fully operational the new plant will be able to process 2,400 cattle per day.

Steve Etcher, business development for GWCEDC, said that the new facility would create more than 1,300 jobs and potentially invest $450 million into the region. 

“We expect a total positive economic impact of approximately $1 billion for our region, and an annual payroll of more than $80 million to support our local businesses,” Etcher added.

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association was pleased with the announcement and what it will do for the Missouri beef industry. 

“This family knows the quality of cattle produced in this state by more than 50,000 farm and ranch families,” said Mike Deering, executive vice president for the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. “AFG has long purchased cattle in this state for their other processing plants and having a company like this in Missouri will undoubtedly help producers here and in surrounding states. The plant is expected to process both cows and fat cattle.”  

Other dignitaries who praised the move by AFG included Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

“Missouri is able to compete for projects of this magnitude because of our strong agriculture community and business-friendly economy,” Parson said. “As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I know how beneficial having a company like American Foods Group in Warren County will be for Missouri’s farmers and consumers. We are excited that Missouri is the planned location and remain committed to supporting the company as this project continues to develop in our state.”