World’s First LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Opens

News Summary

Gray Construction has completed the world’s first LEED-certified beef harvest facility for American Foods Group in Wright City, Missouri. Spanning 800,000 square feet, the facility is designed to process 2,400 head of cattle daily. This innovative project reflects a commitment to sustainability and is anticipated to create over 1,300 jobs, boosting the local economy by over $1 billion annually. The partnership between Gray Construction and American Foods Group not only meets current market demand but also sets a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the beef processing sector.

World’s First LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Completed in Missouri

Gray Construction has announced the completion of the world’s first LEED-certified beef harvest facility for America’s Heartland Packing, which is part of the American Foods Group. This groundbreaking facility, located in Wright City, Missouri, spans approximately 800,000 square feet and is designed to process up to 2,400 head of cattle per day.

Partnership and Project Development

The development of this state-of-the-art facility required a significant partnership between Gray Construction and American Foods Group. The collaboration traversed all stages of the project, beginning from the initial concept through to the design and construction phases. The focus of this partnership was to align the facility’s design with both sustainability objectives and market demands in the beef processing sector.

Sustainability and Design Features

The very essence of this facility is rooted in its commitment to sustainability. The design and construction were meticulously crafted to meet LEED-certification standards, demonstrating a significant step forward in the beef processing industry. The project utilized building information modeling (BIM), allowing the design team to create efficient structural and utility layouts that optimize functionality and resource consumption.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The new beef harvest facility is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy. It is projected to support over 1,300 jobs, offering substantial employment opportunities within the Wright City area. Moreover, the plant is estimated to contribute over $1 billion annually to the regional economy, bolstering financial growth and stability for local businesses and services.

Commitment to the Cattle Industry

American Foods Group, a family-owned company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has a rich history in the beef processing industry. The company operates numerous facilities across the Midwest and is dedicated to fostering long-term growth within the cattle business, reinforcing strong relationships with the partners it serves.

A Step Toward Future Standards

Gray Construction has differentiated itself with this project, setting a new global standard for efficiency and sustainability in the beef processing sector. The facility not only meets current market needs but also models the potential for greener operations in the future. With this LEED-certified facility, Gray is paving the way for similar endeavors in the industry, proving that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand.

Production Timeline

The facility’s production commenced earlier in 2025, marking the start of a new chapter for American Foods Group and its contributions to the beef processing industry. Through innovative design, commitment to sustainability, and a focus on community impact, this facility is poised to lead the way toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly beef production process.

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Additional Resources

• Food Engineering: LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility
• Meat+Poultry: America’s Heartland Packaging Beef Facility
• PR Newswire: LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Announcement
• Google Search: Beef Processing Sustainability
• Wikipedia: LEED