Rath Packing Company

George John Rath (b. 1821) was a merchant based in Dubuque, Iowa. He eventually expanded into a pork packing operation, and in 1891, his son E.R. Rath and cousin, John W. Rath, opened the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa. The company focused on hogs, beef, and lamb, and thrived throughout the early 20th century. By 1941, Rath had grown into the nation's single largest facilities with branches in 12 states.

During the post-war period, the company faced labor troubles. There was a strike and riot in 1948, and the 1960s and 1970s saw rising wages and lower profits. In 1980, Local 41 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union negotiated a plan that gave them control of Rath's board of directors. Rath operated at a loss, 1981-1983, and ceased operations in 1985.