GREELEY, COLO. – Officials with JBS USA and its poultry processing subsidiary, Pilgrim’s Pride, held a grand opening event for its new employee housing and childcare facilities on May 28, near the company’s poultry plant in Moorefield, W. Va.

The $14.8 million complex includes 160 apartment units within walking distance of the plant. The units are available for employees and their families to rent at affordable rates that the company said will not increase for 15 years. An on-site convenience store is also planned to be part of the complex in the future.

Guests at the grand opening festivities, including USDA Rural Development State Director John Reisenweber, along with state and county officials, were given tours of the complex on Eagle View Court in Moorefield.

The development is part of the JBS Hometown Strong program, which is designed to enhance the areas where the company operates facilities.  

“This project is possible thanks to the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative,” said Pilgrim’s Complex Manager Allen Collins, “which is part of Pilgrim’s and JBS USA’s larger effort to invest in meaningful projects that strengthen the communities where the company operates, creating a lasting impact in these regions.”

The company said about 200 Pilgrim’s employees of the plant who are currently living in the area will be the first to be given the opportunity to move to the new facility, adding that the convenience of the childcare center is an example of its industry-leading efforts to offer workers in the region meaningful solutions.

“These apartments and the childcare facility will provide quality, safe, affordable options for our team members, and we are proud to see this important project come to fruition,” Collins said. “People working at our facility live in Pendleton, Grant, Hampshire and other surrounding counties – not just Hardy County. Our team members now have the option to live closer and enjoy being part of the Moorefield community.”

Hardy County Commissioner Dave Workman acknowledged Pilgrim’s as a valued and active part of the community.

“We certainly recognize and appreciate full well Pilgrim’s contribution to the local economy, families and community,” Workman said. “We compliment them on the outstanding job they’ve done for years.”