HASTINGS, Neb. — A Hastings meat processing plant is getting an eight-figure boost to its expansion plans from a federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that Noah’s Ark Processors LLC, which operates as WR Reserve in Hastings, is among the recipients of a Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program grant. The business will get $10 million to help upgrade its plant.

The USDA says WR Reserve is one of just three kosher beef distributors in the country. The grant will help fund an effort to double the plant’s cattle slaughter and processing capacity by expanding its facility and processing floor. The plant plans to serve an additional 54 producers and create 40 new jobs.

WR Reserve also went through the city to apply for a $1 million grant from the state in November. At the time, the company said it was planning a $43 million enhancement to its Hastings facility.