In the spirit of Thanksgiving, complete with headgear, Jeffrey Johnson Iowa Premium CEO (right), Vice President of Operations Steve Armstrong and Nate Prugh, office team member, were among those handing out holiday turkeys to employees leaving work on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The Tama beef plant recently observed its first anniversary of operation here. News-Herald/John Speer

“I am so proud of our team and all they have accomplished during these past 12 months. It is no secret that being a startup company has its ups and downs, but I could not be prouder of the work this team has put in to make our first year at Iowa Premium a success,” Jeffrey Johnson, chief executive officer of Iowa Premium said upon reaching the one-year milestone this November.

The beef packing plant now has more than 600 employed at the Tama facility and has eyes on the future, Johnson told The News-Herald on Nov. 25.

Employees were served a celebratory one-year anniversary luncheon on Nov. 12 hosted by VP of Operations Steve Armstrong, Director of Cattle Procurement Tim Sweeney, VP of Sales and Marketing Dan Rohrberg and Johnson.

By mid-summer, 2016, Johnson said plans are to be up to 700 employees. The plant is running at expectations in cattle numbers, he added.

Johnson points to Smith & Wollensky Steakhouses and Master Processors producer of high-end dry-aged steaks as customers of Iowa Premium’s “commitment to providing quality beef.”

Iowa Premium passed an exciting milestone, celebrating 1 year of operation at the facility. In honor of this accomplishment, Iowa Premium’s leadership team, including CEO Jeffrey Johnson, along with VP of Operations Steve Armstrong, Director of Cattle Procurement Tim Sweeney, and VP of Sales and Marketing Dan Rohrberg, served a celebratory lunch to all of the company employees. Throughout the past year, the staff has grown significantly, now exceeding over 600 people employed at the plant. -Photo provided

“We are a family, and it has taken the effort of every single person on staff to bring Iowa Premium to where it is today. I am grateful for all of the hard work and dedication that has been brought to the table by our team. It is through their efforts that we will continue to grow and reach further milestones here in Tama.”

He also said Iowa Premium appreciates the great working relationship the company has with Tama city leaders including Mayor Dan Zimmerman and city council members.

He said the company strives to be a good neighbor and said its waste water treatment plant is in full compliance with regulations and hears no complaints.