YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
A 3-year-old beef processing plant in Pleasant Hope has suspended operations.
A Missouri Prime Beef Packers statement issued to Springfield Business Journal by corporate spokesperson Justin Furnace indicates the 5305 Highway H facility in Pleasant Hope closed temporarily on Feb. 26.
"This unforeseen decision stems from operational challenges at the facility related to wastewater management and persistently unfavorable market conditions," the statement reads. "We understand the disappointment felt by our employees, community members, customers and partners, yet we remain committed to overcoming these obstacles swiftly and efficiently."
Missouri Prime Beef Packers, which last year sought state approval to discharge treated wastewater into the Pomme de Terre River, withdrew its request in January amid environmental concerns, according to reporting by the Missouri Independent.
"Our team will continue to work closely with the Department of Natural Resources to address the wastewater challenges faced by this facility," the Missouri Prime Beef Packers statement reads. "By doing so, we aim to resume operations and once again contribute to the economic growth of the community."
A timeline was not provided in the statement.
Missouri Prime Beef Packers disclosed the plant closure in a Feb. 26 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filing. The filing indicates 335 employees are impacted.
The 100,000-square-foot plant opened in early 2021, and Gov. Mike Parson was among officials who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.
Missouri Prime Beef Packers last year was purchased by Corpus Christi, Texas-based STX Beef Co. LLC, a subsidiary of private investment firm JDH Capital, SBJ previously reported.
Bapa Network is adding to its Dunkin’ lineup with a new shop in northwest Springfield, just east of the intersection of Chestnut Expressway and West Bypass.
This factory closing raises a lot of questions. The beef packer on its website states, "We have a well-founded understanding of the cattle industry..." But you have to wonder.
Further, how much money did the state waste on tax incentives it lavished upon this company--which only 36 months ago was lauded by Gov. Parson as if it were the Second Coming?