DES MOINES, IA — This week, Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) brought together community leaders, local officials, and business partners in the City of Perry to continue recovery efforts following the closure of the Tyson Foods plant and to mark a new chapter of investment and job creation with JBS USA’s $135 million pork processing facility.
For more than a year, Perry has worked to recover from Tyson’s decision to shut down its production facility, which displaced 1,300 workers and placed strain on local businesses, schools, and families. Since the closure, Rep. Nunn and community leaders have worked to hold Tyson accountable, deliver relief, and chart a long-term path forward.
“This week’s roundtable showed what Perry Strong looks like in action. We brought together local leaders, businesses, and officials to ensure accountability, track progress, and push for a long-term recovery plan,” said Rep. Nunn. “The groundbreaking at JBS is proof that these strong partnerships are paying off—creating good-paying jobs, supporting Iowa producers, and showing what happens when a community comes together to lead its own future.”
Tyson has already provided some support to Perry families, including a $20,000 donation to the Perry food pantry, expanded food assistance for students and families, and meal carts for all three Perry schools. Building on that progress, the roundtable focused on three priorities: reviewing community impacts since the plant closure, identifying gaps in Tyson’s commitments, and setting expectations for a long-term transition plan for Perry’s economic recovery.
“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to accountability underscores the importance of building business partnerships rooted in responsibility and mutual benefit,” said Rachel Wacker, Executive Director, Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. “In rural Iowa communities, such as Perry, local economies often rely on a few key employers. Such accountability ensures that growth is shared, workers are supported, and that rural areas are not left behind in moments of transition or challenge. His focus on this matter reflects a broader understanding that sustainable growth for Perry depends on trust, collaboration, and responsible corporate partners.”
Following the roundtable, Rep. Nunn joined local, state, and business leaders at the groundbreaking of JBS USA’s new pork processing facility—a $135 million investment that will create 500 good-paying jobs in Perry. Once operational, the facility will produce enough pork—primarily sourced from Iowa producers—to feed more than four million Americans annually.
“This new JBS facility will create high quality jobs, expand processing capacity for our pig farmers, and strengthen the economic backbone of the Perry area for years to come,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “From Perry Strong to Perry Next, this community’s resilience and teamwork have turned vision into momentum. This plant’s groundbreaking is proof of what’s possible when people believe in and invest in their hometown. I appreciate Congressman Zach Nunn’s continued partnership as we work together to grow Iowa’s economy, support our farmers, and strengthen our rural communities.”
This week’s events underscored what’s possible when local government, private employers, and federal partners work toward a shared goal. Perry’s resilience and leadership have laid the groundwork for renewal with new investment, new jobs, and new optimism for families in both the City of Perry and greater Dallas County.
KCCI’s exclusive coverage of the roundtable can be viewed here.
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