JBS USA, Greeley, Colo., announced plans to lease J&B Group’s value-added meat processing facility in Pipestone, Minn., with the intent to acquire this facility in the upcoming months.

The pending acquisition means the facility will join JBS USA, protecting more than 130 jobs.

“We are excited to welcome the Pipestone team members to JBS USA,” says Bob Krebs, chief operating officer, JBS USA Pork. “We have worked with the J&B team under the common goals of preserving jobs and creating a sustainable future for the facility. We believe the facility’s infrastructure and accomplished workforce present a great opportunity to expand our ability to provide high-quality products to both domestic and export markets. We plan on investing in the facility and growing the business, allowing our new team members and the local community to grow with us.”  

In September, J&B Group, Inc. announced that the Pipestone facility would be sold and production relocated to its St. Michael, Minn., headquarters facility.