Agriprocessors

Agriprocessors plant 2

Agriprocessors

Company type	Private
Industry	Meat processing
Founded	1987
Founder	Aaron Rubashkin
Defunct	2009
Key people	Sholom Rubashkin
Products	Kosher meat
Number of employees	968 (at peak)

Agriprocessors was a kosher meat processing company based in Postville, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1987 by Aaron Rubashkin, the company became one of the largest kosher meat producers in the country. Agriprocessors was known for its production of kosher beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb.

History

Agriprocessors was established in 1987 by Aaron Rubashkin, a Brooklyn butcher, and his son Sholom Rubashkin. The company quickly grew to become a major player in the kosher meat industry, supplying products to Jewish communities across the United States and internationally.

Operations

The company's main facility was located in Postville, Iowa, where it employed up to 968 workers at its peak. Agriprocessors was known for its strict adherence to kosher dietary laws, which require specific methods of slaughter and processing.

Controversies

Agriprocessors faced several controversies over the years, including allegations of animal cruelty, labor violations, and immigration issues. In 2008, the company was the subject of a major immigration raid by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which resulted in the arrest of nearly 400 undocumented workers.

Animal Cruelty Allegations

In 2004, an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed instances of animal cruelty at the Agriprocessors plant. The footage showed improper slaughtering techniques that violated both kosher laws and federal regulations.

Labor Violations

Agriprocessors was also accused of numerous labor violations, including underpayment of workers, poor working conditions, and child labor. In 2006, the company was fined by the U.S. Department of Labor for wage and hour violations.

Immigration Raid

The most significant controversy occurred in May 2008, when ICE conducted a raid on the Postville plant. The raid led to the arrest of 389 undocumented workers, making it one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in U.S. history. The raid had a devastating impact on the local community and the company's operations.

Bankruptcy and Closure

Following the 2008 raid and subsequent legal issues, Agriprocessors filed for bankruptcy in November 2008. The company ceased operations in 2009. The plant was later sold to SHF Industries, which reopened it under the name Agri Star Meat and Poultry.

Legacy

Agriprocessors' legacy is a complex one, marked by its contributions to the kosher meat industry and the controversies that led to its downfall. The company's story is often cited in discussions about labor practices, immigration policy, and animal welfare in the meat processing industry.

See also

• Kosher foods
• Meat industry
• Immigration enforcement
• Animal welfare