National Beef Packing Co., LLC, Kanas City, Mo., announced plans to expand boxed beef storage and shipping capabilities at its Liberal, Kan., facility.

 "Customers increasingly are requesting smaller and lighter boxes," says Dennis Boyles, vice president and general manager. "This capital project will position us to more efficiently deliver the products customers want, when they want them."

The $8 million project includes the addition of a palletizer, crane, sorters and new shipping lanes. The expanded capabilities are scheduled to come online in late spring 2017.​​​​

This announcement comes on the heels of National Beef expanding shipping and handling capacities at its Dodge City, Kan., plant.