July 20, 2025

Project Pan Announces $28 Million Investment in Jacksonville

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News Summary

Project Pan, an international meat processing company, is set to invest $28 million in a new processing plant in Northwest Jacksonville, aiming to create 100 jobs. The Office of Economic Development seeks city incentives, including a six-year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant worth up to $800,000. The new facility will occupy a 50,000 square foot space, with production expected to exceed 1 million pounds of products weekly. Additionally, Jones Meat and Locker has been sold, highlighting shifts within the local meat market.

Jacksonville, FL – Project Pan, an international meat processing company, is planning a significant investment of $28 million to establish a new processing plant in Northwest Jacksonville. The company is currently seeking city incentives to facilitate the development of this facility.

The Office of Economic Development (OED), which is overseeing the incentive request, has submitted a memo to the Jacksonville City Council seeking approval for a six-year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant, which could total up to $800,000. This type of grant acts as a rebate on property taxes derived from new developments or improvements.

According to the OED, Project Pan aims to create 100 new jobs in Jacksonville, with an average annual salary of $59,211 and an additional benefits package valued at $16,000 per employee. The new meat processing facility will occupy a 50,000 square foot space in a currently vacant refrigerated warehouse building, where the company plans to operate four meatpacking production lines. These lines are expected to produce over 1 million pounds of finished products each week.

Preparation work for the warehouse site is slated to commence in December 2025. This location falls within a designated Brownfields Redevelopment Area, categorized as a Level I Economically Distressed Area. Such areas are recognized for the potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The OED has highlighted that revitalizing these properties not only enhances economic development but also contributes to environmental protection and the reduction of blight.

The anticipated return on investment for the proposed incentive stands at around $3.50 for every $1 granted. This projection reflects the potential positive economic impact that Project Pan could have on the local economy.

The OED’s grant request will be reviewed by the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on July 21. As is common with economic development agreements, this initiative has been assigned a code name, a practice permitted under state law.

In a related update in the Jacksonville meat market sector, Jones Meat and Locker has been sold to Nuss Partners. Initially founded in 1943 by Terry Jones’ grandparents, the business has been run by the Jones family for the last 81 years. Terry Jones, who is preparing for retirement, is committed to honoring the store’s legacy during the transition.

Bob Stanton and Derrick Clevenger of Nuss Partners will retain the Jones family name and preserve family photographs within the store. Stanton has expressed an intention to maintain current quality and service standards while exploring expansion opportunities in the Midwest. Although retiring, Terry Jones will advise the business through the Christmas period and offer assistance as needed afterward.

Nuss Partners plans to establish a firm foundation in Jacksonville before pursuing new locations. The company is also seeking to introduce new offerings and expand its product variety over time. To ensure operational continuity and quality, longtime employees have been assigned to management positions.

Despite the positive neighborhood developments, Jacksonville’s meat processing industry faces challenges. The USDA has recently announced a recall of approximately 12 million pounds of meat products over listeria concerns, impacting items sold in Florida. Additionally, Tyson Foods has initiated the closure of two plants, including one situated in Jacksonville, affecting around 219 workers.