Credit: JBS
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) last week joined community leaders, local officials, and business partners in the City of Perry, Iowa, to continue ongoing recovery efforts following the closure of the Tyson Foods plant that put 1,300 people out of work, and to mark a new chapter of investment and job creation with JBS USA’s $135-million pork processing facility.
“This week’s roundtable showed what Perry Strong looks like in action. We brought together local leaders, businesses, and officials to ensure accountability, track progress, and push for a long-term recovery plan,” Rep. Nunn said. “The groundbreaking at JBS is proof that these strong partnerships are paying off — creating good-paying jobs, supporting Iowa producers, and showing what happens when a community comes together to lead its own future.”
For more than a year, Perry has worked to recover from Tyson’s decision to shut down its production facility, and since the closure, Rep. Nunn and community leaders have worked to hold Tyson accountable, deliver relief, and chart a long-term path forward, according to the congressman’s staff.
Tyson already has provided some support to the community, including a $20,000 donation to the Perry food pantry, food assistance for students and families, and meal carts for all three Perry schools.
Building on that progress, the roundtable focused on reviewing community impacts since the plant closure, identifying gaps in Tyson’s commitments, and setting expectations for a long-term transition plan for Perry’s economic recovery.
“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to accountability underscores the importance of building business partnerships rooted in responsibility and mutual benefit,” said Rachel Wacker, executive director of the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. “His focus on this matter reflects a broader understanding that sustainable growth for Perry depends on trust, collaboration, and responsible corporate partners.”
Following the roundtable, Rep. Nunn joined local, state, and business leaders at the groundbreaking of JBS USA’s new pork processing facility, which will create 500 good-paying jobs in Perry.
Once operational, the facility will produce enough pork — primarily sourced from Iowa producers — to feed more than four million Americans annually.
“This new JBS facility will create high-quality jobs, expand processing capacity for our pig farmers, and strengthen the economic backbone of the Perry area for years to come,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “I appreciate Congressman Zach Nunn’s continued partnership as we work together to grow Iowa’s economy, support our farmers, and strengthen our rural communities.”