Springville Meat
Company History
Springville Meat Company has been operating in the same location in Springville since it opened in 1950. Brothers Ray and Jim Cope began the company in a facility located at 268 S. 100 West with their focus on doing custom meat processing for local customers. That work was and still is the main part of Springville Meat Company’s business. Through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, the company also rented out frozen food lockers to the public, which was a service much in demand at the time. At the service’s peak, Springville Meat Company was renting out about 1,000 lockers to its customers. Growth over the years has led the company to expand its facility six times.
In the early ‘70s, a poor economy led to reduced business and the Copes began considering selling the company. Ray Cope – who managed the business – took a job managing the welfare farm located in Springville owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His son, Dave Cope, stepped forward at that time and offered to run the business for a year while his father attempted to sell it.
Private-Label Jerky
The Business
On Jan. 1, 1973, Dave Cope took over for his father, and he has been running Springville Meat Company ever since. He eventually bought the shares of the business owned by his uncle and father, and the company is now owned by David and Janet Cope and their sons Gene and Ryan. The couple’s sons Gene and Ryan, who have worked at the business for years, became part owners in the business in 2009.
The business has seen many changes since its beginning in 1950. In addition to its custom meat processing, Springville Meat Company devotes significant time to making jerky from beef, and exotic species. Various companies contract with Springville Meat to make their own private-label jerky, and Springville Meat also makes and sells its own brand of jerky named Papa Rays named after our founder Ray Cope. Springville Meat Company now cooks meat for parties and banquets and sells meat to restaurants and individuals. It is a USDA federally inspected meat packing plant.
Local Schools & Organizations
The Community
Over the years, the business has supported FFA clubs in the local schools and junior livestock shows. Springville Meat has also donated to many school and community organizations. Dave Cope served for 25 years as a volunteer firefighter and 10 years as a volunteer EMT for Springville City. His son Gene is also a 20 year veteran firefighter and EMT for the city.
Springville meat currently has about 25 employees. In 2012, we made a large addition adding on an inviting country store and a large meat processing space to better serve our customers. Springville Meat is progressing into the future to better the community and its patrons.
