World’s First LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Opens

News Summary

Gray Construction has completed the world’s first LEED-certified beef harvest facility for American Foods Group in Wright City, Missouri. Spanning 800,000 square feet, the facility is designed to process 2,400 head of cattle daily. This innovative project reflects a commitment to sustainability and is anticipated to create over 1,300 jobs, boosting the local economy by over $1 billion annually. The partnership between Gray Construction and American Foods Group not only meets current market demand but also sets a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the beef processing sector.

World’s First LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Opens in Missouri

Gray Construction has officially completed the world’s first-ever LEED-certified beef harvest facility in Wright City, Missouri. This state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone for the beef processing industry and marks a commitment to sustainability in agricultural practices.

Facility Overview

The facility spans an impressive 800,000 square feet and has the capability to process up to 2,400 head of cattle per day. This high-capacity design not only aims to meet market demand but also emphasizes sustainability through responsible operations.

Collaborative Effort for Success

Gray Construction collaborated closely with American Foods Group (AFG), the company behind America’s Heartland Packing, from the early stages of concept development through detailed design and construction phases. This partnership was vital in ensuring that the final structure meets the rigorous standards required for LEED certification.

Commitment to Sustainability

The new facility aligns with both sustainability goals and market needs, setting a new standard within the beef processing sector. The design and construction aimed to adhere to LEED certification standards, which signify that the building follows environmentally-friendly practices.

Advanced Design Techniques

To achieve the complex design needed for this enterprise, Gray’s design team employed building information modeling (BIM), which helped in developing the facility’s structural and utility layouts. This modern approach not only enhanced efficiency during the construction process but also streamlined operations within the completed facility.

Economic Impact

The new facility is projected to create over 1,300 jobs, greatly benefiting the local economy. It is anticipated to contribute more than $1 billion annually to the regional economic landscape, providing a significant boost to the community surrounding Wright City.

American Foods Group’s Growth Aspirations

American Foods Group, a family-owned company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has operations across the Midwest and remains committed to long-term growth in the cattle business. This facility represents AFG’s dedication to efficiency, sustainability, and quality in beef processing.

Production Timeline

Production at the new beef harvest facility commenced earlier in 2025, marking a new chapter for both Gray Construction and American Foods Group. The successful completion of this facility signifies a turning point not just for the companies involved, but also for the future of the beef processing industry on a global scale.

Global Standard for the Future

The project sets a new bar for both efficiency and sustainability, revolutionizing the way beef processing can align with modern environmental standards. As the industry’s first LEED-certified facility, it paves the way for future developments in agricultural infrastructures aimed at reducing environmental impact.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the world’s first LEED-certified beef harvest facility in Missouri is a landmark achievement, not only for Gray Construction and American Foods Group but also for the entire beef processing industry. It exemplifies a shift towards more sustainable practices while addressing the growing needs of the market.

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Additional Resources

• Food Engineering: LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility
• Meat+Poultry: America’s Heartland Packaging Beef Facility
• PR Newswire: LEED-Certified Beef Harvest Facility Announcement
• Google Search: Beef Processing Sustainability
• Wikipedia: LEED