JBS USA to Invest $1.1 Million in Plainwell to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, JBS USA today announced plans to invest $1.1 million to help Plainwell, Mich., respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and invest in the community’s future.
JBS USA is working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@jbssa.com.
“We are proud to live and work in Plainwell and are thankful for the opportunity to help our neighbors,” said Mathew Trowbridge, JBS Plainwell plant manager. “Through Hometown Strong, we are demonstrating our commitment to be more than a reliable employer and help our community grow, thrive and move forward together.”
“JBS has always been a phenomenal corporate partner for our community and today’s announcement is just another example of their commitment to Plainwell,” said Erik Wilson, Plainwell city manager. “We are fortunate to have a partner in JBS that is dedicated to the betterment of our community’s future.”
One project has already been selected to receive funding. JBS Plainwell is contributing $100,000 to build the JBS Children’s Discovery Library at the new Ransom District Library. The JBS Children’s Discovery Library will create an exploratory learning environment for children to learn and play.
“The JBS Children’s Discovery Library will redefine library services for the children of our district and their parents and caregivers,” said Joe Gross, director, Ransom District Library. “The large, dedicated space we have created with our architects (Tower Pinkster) and engineers (CSM Group) will house a series of STEAM-centered interactive displays that will, along with our traditional collections, turn the space into a fun, exploratory learning environment. We’re proud to partner with JBS in providing a public resource for children that supports such a wide range of cognitive and motor skill development.”
The JBS USA Plainwell beef facility employs nearly 1,400 people with an annual payroll of more than $62 million. The facility supports more than 600 producers, paying them more than $570 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, JBS USA Plainwell has invested more than $36 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 62,000-plus people. Funds are being directed to every community JBS USA calls home.
Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.