What changes did IBP introduce to the meat packing industry?
In 1960, IBP became the McDonalds of meat packing and processing. Currier J. Holman and A.D. Anderson constructed their buisness with money in their minds. They completely eliminated the need for skilled workers and they designed their plant as a "One story structure with a disassembly line" pg 53. Their main idea was afor their workers to stand in one place all day and perform one simple task such as the same swift cut over and over. In addition the location of their meat packing plants changed as well. By moving from Urban areas to Rural areas, they became closer to the road which made it possible for meat to be transported by truck rather than train. When they opened up a plant in Dakota City, Nebraska they began not only slaughtering cows but cutting them into smaller cuts of meat i.e. loins, chucks, and rounds. In place of packaging whole pieces of beef, IBP vaccumpacked these smaller cuts and called them "boxed meat".
Why were newer meat packing plants located in rural areas rather than in cities?
As I stated in the question above, IBP decided to relocate its buisness from Urban areas to rural areas because rural areas were closer to highways which opened new transportation opportunities for them. These highways made it possible for meat to be taken from point A to point B by truck rather than train.
What were the links between IBP and organized crime?
In 1970 Mr. Holman and three others had a meeting with Moe Steinman who was affiliated with the mob. The butchers in New York had formed a strike against IBP beef, in collaboration they refused to sell any of their beef. Moe Steinman offered his assistance in exchange for a 5cent commission on ever pound of beef they sold. They were of course tried and convicted for bribing union leaders and meat wholesalers.
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