Mason City shows interest in beef plant

Some Iowa residents and communities have rejected Excel Corporation as it tries to find a place to build a massive beef-packing plant — but not Mason City. One city councilman says the state-of-the-art factory could be just what the northern Iowa community needs.Councilman Ken Lee says city leaders at least need to hear Excel out. Lee says Excel could bring in many more jobs and a significant economic impact to Mason City.The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association would have 50-percent ownership in the proposed facility. Several communities have turned away the project, with the town of Iowa Falls being split over the issue. Lee says Excel is a good company and the plan put forth by the state is a good one.Residents in other communities approached by Excel have questioned things like the history of low wages in the packing industry. Backers say the 100-million-dollar plant would help keep in state the more than 70-percent of Iowa cattle, which are taken out of Iowa to be processed.