Wisconsin welcomes major $32M meat processing facility

Performance Food Group Company has opened a new facility in West Salem, Wisconsin — a $32 million investment that they say will significantly enhances the company’s regional meat processing capabilities.

The new Grand Western Upper Midwest facility replaces the former La Crosse Meat Plant and stands as a modern, 60,000-square-foot operation designed to streamline production and bolster distribution across the region.

“This new facility is a game-changer for our operations and customers,” said Tyler Zimmerman, General Manager of Grand Western Upper Midwest. “The increased capacity and advanced automation allow us to deliver the high-quality products our customers expect—more efficiently than ever before.”

The expansion triples the production capacity of the previous site and incorporates advanced automation systems to improve efficiency and product consistency. The facility also features a fully equipped kitchen and training center capable of hosting up to 20 participants, which will support ongoing training for both employees and customers.

The Grand Western Upper Midwest team will continue sourcing premium meats from trusted farms and ranches. The facility processes and distributes a wide array of beef, pork, veal, and lamb products under PFG’s recognized brands, including Braveheart, Ranahan Ranch, Contigo, Allegiance, and Piancone.

With next-day delivery capabilities to eight operating companies and extended service schedules on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis, the West Salem facility enhances PFG’s PFA consolidation program, which supports 42 operating companies nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to bring this level of innovation and scalability to our customers,” said Adam Towns, Director of Sales. “This investment ensures we’re ready to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth opportunities while maintaining the exceptional quality our customers rely on.”

The grand opening took place on April 30, 2025, and welcomed customers, business partners, and community members for a firsthand look at the new operation and its cutting-edge features.

This development stands in contrast to recent plant closures by major industry players like Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms. Tyson Foods announced the permanent closure of its beef and pork plant in Emporia, Kansas, affecting 809 workers. This decision, influenced by financial pressures and challenges in the cattle market, is part of Tyson’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency.

Similarly, Perdue Farms plans to close its processing plant in Monterey, Tennessee, by late March, impacting over 430 employees. The company cited changes in market demand and production methods as reasons for the closure.