Location: Jerome, Idaho
True West Beef (TWB), a collaborative venture between AgriBeef and Idaho ranchers, represents a unique fusion of industry, community, and thoughtful design. Completed in July 2023, this innovative 12,063-square-foot facility in Jerome, Idaho, serves as a beef processing center and was designed as a place where employees and local partners would feel connected to the region’s agricultural roots.
A New Kind of Corporate Space
erstad’s design for True West Beef goes beyond mere functionality, delivering corporate offices and welfare buildings that prioritize the well-being of employees. Tasked with balancing professional corporate aesthetics with a welcoming, ranch-inspired atmosphere, erstad integrated natural elements that reflect the local landscape. The inclusion of full-wall imagery of the Sawtooths, Snake River, and ranch fields anchors employees in a sense of place, while reinforcing the connection to the local agricultural community.
The spaces are drenched in natural light, with panoramic windows offering views of the Sawtooth Mountains, reinforcing a connection to nature while fostering a welcoming environment. A central courtyard, designed as an outdoor gathering space, further marries the welfare buildings to the processing facility, solidifying the ranch-like atmosphere.
Prioritizing Employee Welfare
The design team focused on creating an environment that promotes employee well-being. The welfare buildings house administrative offices, cafeterias, training rooms, and locker rooms—spaces designed for comfort and community. Lush greenery, warm textures, and biophilic elements add a homelike feel to these spaces, encouraging relaxation and a break from the high-demand work of the processing facility.
Additionally, areas like the cafeteria offer flexible seating options and vending stations, while inclusive amenities such as mother’s rooms highlight the company’s commitment to the diverse needs of its workforce. By fostering a positive, healthy work environment, True West Beef sets a new standard for employee support in industrial settings.
Collaboration and Innovation
The success of the True West Beef project can be attributed to a close collaboration between erstad and TWB. From the initial stages, erstad worked with the client to ensure the space met both functional requirements and employee preferences. By conducting thorough research into industry best practices and incorporating innovative solutions, erstad exceeded expectations, delivering a design that balances function with comfort.
Custom design elements, such as lighting fixtures and signature branding features, were curated to reflect True West Beef’s identity, setting the company apart in the competitive beef processing industry.
A Model for Community and Industry
True West Beef stands as a shining example of how industry and community can work hand-in-hand. By embracing local culture and agricultural heritage, the project has not only created a state-of-the-art facility but has also become a source of pride for the Jerome community. The design’s deep connection to the local environment and its emphasis on employee well-being makes it a model for future projects. Our partner in the project, Jay Theiler said this about our collaboration on this project,
“Our collaboration with erstad has been instrumental in ensuring that our new facility in Jerome, Idaho, caters to the needs of our valued local workers. Their expertise and attention to detail have allowed us to create a space that not only provides a conducive environment for our employees but also enhances their overall experience within the workplace.”
For True West Beef, the partnership with erstad has culminated in a space that not only meets operational needs but also enriches the lives of its employees and the surrounding community—a true embodiment of their commitment to excellence and local collaboration.