DES MOINES - A revived Postville kosher meatpacking plant received assistance from the Iowa Department of Economic Development's board Thursday.

The board approved a $600,000 loan and tax incentives to Agri Star Meat & Poultry to modernize the kosher beef and poultry plant in Postville formerly operated by Agriprocessors.

Before its closure following a May 2008 federal immigration raid, the plant was the largest kosher beef processing facility in the nation.

Agri Star currently is operating the plant's poultry processing line and plans a $6.85 million upgrade to the beef processing line with a remodel and new equipment.

The company also plans to offer oven-baked beef and poultry, which will mean the installation of ovens and fryers.

The investment will create 168 jobs and allow the plant to slaughter and process 500 cattle each day.