JBS investment for CSU center
JBS invested in the facility which will offer space for industry collaboration through education and training, equipment development and testing and help CSU’s teaching and research in meat sciences.
Students will learn about meat processing in a hands-on environment not available in existing CSU facilities.
The site will have space dedicated to testing packaging and developing products, reflecting the growing areas of ready-to-eat foods and packaging within the meat industry.
Ajay Menon, dean of CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, said it has a long-standing research and academic partnership with JBS.
“This facility is designed to provide our students with the hands-on experiences that will position them for careers in industry and academia, especially as they work alongside faculty members who are producing innovations in food safety, food security, and animal welfare.”
JBS’ partnership with CSU includes a $7.5m contribution to build the JBS Global Food Innovation Center and an employee educational programming investment of $5m.
Wesley Batista, CEO of JBS, said it is an investment in the future competitiveness of food and farming in Colorado and across the US.
“We envision this facility as a place that will allow the best and brightest CSU students to innovate, discover and explore as they prepare for future careers in the industry.”
JBS USA is the North American arm of JBS S.A., the world's top animal protein processor, with more than 300 production units and export customers in 150 countries.
Andre Nogueira, CEO of JBS USA, said: “The innovation and education that will take place in this new facility will help to train the next generation of dynamic food and agricultural leaders in Colorado and across the nation.”
JBS USA has operations in the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia processing and selling fresh, branded and consumer-ready beef, pork and lamb products.
The firm is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, the second largest poultry company in the US with operations in the US and Mexico.
