Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Exterior enclosure underway for bison plant expansion

Since breaking ground on Sept. 16 last year, work on a major expansion project for North American Bison, LLC (NAB) has been well underway.

Passers by traveling on Highway 281 have likely seen the recent addition of wall paneling on the addition's west side.

Mike Jacobson, Vice President of Operations, said it's one of the last steps before work on the interior can begin.

"What we've done so far is put up all the structural steel, and then obviously you can see the wall paneling that's going up," said Jacobson.

Once that's finished, he added, inside work - such as plumbing, concrete, electrical and bringing in refrigeration - can commence.

As for when the project might be completed, Jacobson said it depends on whether or not mother nature finally cooperates. Nonetheless, he hopes to see construction wrapped up sometime between the end of September and beginning of October.

Once construction concludes, the plant will feature two new additions, one each on the west and east side of the original structure. Also added will be a second loading dock, additional freezer and cooler space, and room for more workers and modern equipment in the fabrication room.

The expansion will bring all of NAB's operations under one roof in Eddy County, along with an anticipated increase of employees from 55 to 70.