JBS USA is closing its Empire Packing facility in Memphis, Tennessee, resulting in the loss of more than 200 jobs as the global meat processor continues restructuring its U.S. operations.
The company announced that the plant, located at 1837 Harbor Ave., would permanently close on August 14, affecting 208 employees. Empire Packing, which has processed and packaged meat products in Memphis since 1987, was acquired by JBS in 2020 as part of the company’s expansion into value-added meat products.
Part of broader restructuring
The Memphis closure is one of two facilities JBS recently announced it will shutter. The company is also closing its beef processing plant in Souderton, Pennsylvania, as part of a broader strategy to modernize its manufacturing network and improve long-term efficiency. Production from both facilities will be transferred to other JBS operations across the country.
JBS CEO Wesley Batista Filho acknowledged the impact on employees, saying decisions like these are difficult because they affect workers and the communities where the company operates. He said JBS is focused on supporting affected employees throughout the transition while continuing to invest in facilities positioned for future growth.
Support for affected employees
According to JBS, employees at the Memphis facility will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at other company locations nationwide. The company also plans to provide on-site transition assistance and work with local workforce agencies to help employees find new opportunities.
The closure comes as meat processors across the industry grapple with higher operating costs and a historically tight U.S. cattle supply. JBS has said it is investing in expansion and modernization projects at other facilities while consolidating operations where it believes production can be handled more efficiently.
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