American Foods Group, LLC (AFG) is opening a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Warren County, Missouri. The company broke ground this week at the site near Wright City - marking the beginning of a project expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state of Missouri. 

 AFG is investing $800 million in the new 775,000-square-foot facility. The company plans to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the region with an annual payroll of approximately $80 million.
 
 "Today marks the start of our future in Warren County, Missouri, the addition of industry-needed hook space and fulfilling the needs of our customers, partners, and consumers for beef demand," said Steve Van Lannen, president and COO of American Foods Group.
 
 AFG is family-owned and employs more than 4,500 across the U.S. The company evaluated multiple locations for its newest facility where they plan to process 2,400 cattle per day.
 
 "As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG to Missouri. This is a major development that will benefit Missouri's agricultural producers and consumers for years to come," said Governor Mike Parson. "With $94 billion contributed to our economy annually, we appreciate that agriculture is our number one industry. AFG's investment in Missouri further signals to the nation and world what we've known all along, that Missouri is the best place for companies to grow and expand. We couldn't be more excited for AFG's expansion in Missouri."
 
 The Missouri site is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.