America’s Heartland Packing

JE Dunn served in a construction manager agency role, as an advisor to American Foods Group (AFG), for their new, 800,000-square-foot processing facility in Wright City, Missouri. As Construction Manager (CM) agent, JE Dunn oversaw work on site, provided documentation, daily journals, weekly reports, and reviewed pay applications. The general contractor on the project was only responsible for the design and construction of the core/shell building, enabling JE Dunn to have an extensive role in assisting AFG with their owner-provided equipment deliveries and installation. JE Dunn also provided and managed the equipment required for the owner’s vendors equipment installation. Some of JE Dunn’s additional responsibilities included planning and executing quarterly executive review meetings and quality and safety oversight for the project. JE Dunn also assisted in the design and coordination of the large cafeteria as well as the store that sells product to employees. Our team was also instrumental in assisting AFG with coordinating offsite infrastructure work such as power distribution, railroad crossings, and traffic signal lighting activities.

American Foods Group produces a wide variety of beef products, including many designated kosher and halal. The plant is the state’s first large beef harvest facility and at peak capacity will process 2,400 head of cattle per day. There are over 19 acres under roof on the new AFG campus. All piping within the facility is stainless steel, and the facility does not have any painted surfaces due to cleanliness requirements.

The facility also includes a large basement 23 feet below grade that includes holding tanks, chillers, wash basins and equipment for hide processing, and a wastewater pretreatment center.