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U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) speaks at Thursday's ribbon-cutting at Columbia's Swift Foods plant on Route B (April 6, 2023 photo courtesy of the governor's Flickr page)

(AUDIO) Columbia’s mayor says Swift Foods’ opening on Route B is huge

A west-central Missouri congressman who represents part of Columbia and Boone County predicts the new Swift Foods plant will help Columbia and will help feed families.

U.S. Mark Alford (R-Raymore), who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, notes the $200-million plant was built on a former field on Route B.

“You could call this not the field of dreams but the field of meals. People are going to be able to eat quality charcuterie and Italian meats from everything that’s produced here, bringing in jobs, helping the fourth congressional district, the great state of Missouri and Columbia grow,” Alford says.

Congressman Alford joined Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick and others at the bipartisan ribbon-cutting ceremony. The plant is still hiring employees, and the average salary is more than $50,000.

Governor Parson says the opening of Swift Foods in Columbia shows Missouri is open for business. The governor tells 939 the Eagle that more companies want to invest in the Show-Me State.

“And I think these facilities are just a huge driver in our economy, and just proves that we’re open for business. We’re expanding, our economy is good, it’s a good place to do business. And I think you’re heard those comments up there from the CEO’s and the companies. That’s why they’re here,” Parson says.

The governor says Swift has a wonderful facility and that it’s a great time for Columbia’s growth. The 325,000 square feet plant is near Como Smoke and Fire on Route B. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says the plant’s opening is huge for Columbia, and will provide living wage jobs.

“We know we have low unemployment. So we know this is an area in our community where we have a lot of people that want to come to Columbia. So this will help us grow Columbia, getting more people here seeking these good-paying jobs,” Buffaloe says.

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