Brazilian meat major JBS is set to invest circa C$90m ($66m) in a new patty processing line in a Canadian facility.
The company’s Canadian division, named JBS Foods Canada, will produce almost seven million more kilograms of beef patties every year for restaurants in western Canada following the injection into its plant in Brooks, Alberta.
The investment will create up to 24 permanent jobs and 170 temporary roles.
JBS is also building a “fulfillment centre to help accommodate its increased production”, according to an Alberta government statement.
The processing line and warehouse expansion are already underway and are expected to be complete by autumn 2025.
Celio Fritche, president of JBS Foods Canada, said: “We are so pleased to be making this more than C$90m investment at our Brooks beef processing facility.
“It significantly enhances our value-added processing and fulfilment capabilities and was possible in no small part due to Alberta’s tax credit for agri-processors.”
JBS also has a corporate office and two facilities in Calgary, as well as a case-ready facility in Ontario.
In May, the meat giant said it plans to create 7,000 new jobs in its domestic market this year.
The Sao Paulo-based company, one of the world’s largest food producers working across a number of meat types and in plant-based meat alternatives, has more than 5,000 job opportunities open, including new vacancies and replacement positions.
In April, the sons of the company’s founder were voted onto the board at JBS’ annual meeting.
The election of scandal-hit Wesley and Joesley Batista to the board has been criticised by advocacy group Ban the Batistas.
The pair, who previously held high-level leadership positions at the company founded by their father José Batista Sobrinho, were voted onto the board at JBS’ annual meeting on Friday (26 April).
Joesley, previously the JBS chairman, and Wesley, its former CEO, are controversial figures.
Back in 2017, prosecutors charged them with using inside information to profit from market movements in the company’s shares. Both stepped down from their executive roles but they were acquitted of insider trading charges in 2023.
