In February 1891, the Rath's small pork packing plant and retail market in Dubuque was destroyed by fire.
The fire came at a time when many growing towns in Iowa were trying to attract meat packers to relocate or open operations in their communities.
Such a business meant locally-available fresh meat, employment, and typically created a livestock market, all adding to local commerce and prosperity.
The Raths were approached by the Waterloo, Iowa, Board of Trade (a Chamber of Commerce forerunner) and were eventually won over.
Business thrived; lucrative contracts to supply meat to the Armed Forces during both World Wars helped the company grow.
Through two world wars, stock market panics, depression, and drought, the company had failed to show a profit in only four of its years.
Holding firm, Rath management eventually outlasted the union in negotiations, but labor relations remained sour.