Smithfield's site in Sioux Falls. © Google
Smithfield Foods is investing nearly $45 million in its operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to help it meet growing domestic demand for bacon and international demand for ground seasoned pork.
The investment, which will create 70 jobs, includes renovating a high-speed bacon line, a ground seasoned pork operation and distribution centre, as well as the rebuilding of a facility that houses more than 8,000 hogs.
Changes to Smithfield’s ground seasoned pork operation will bolster its ability to support increased demand by export markets and include a renovation to the existing distribution centre, which is currently underway and on schedule to be completed by March 2019. Once complete, it will incorporate the latest technology for automated packaging, boxing, labelling, and stacking, Smithfield said.
The hog farm renovation, which will be complete in autumn 2019, will feature “leading animal handling practices”, including automatic climate control systems.
Smithfield Foods CEO Kenneth Sullivan said: “At Smithfield, we’re committed to our continual investment in our facilities and farms in Sioux Falls. In the past five years, we have invested more than $73 million into our operations in South Dakota, which positively impacts the local economy. With these new projects, we’re proud to further strengthen our presence in this state.”
Jason Richter, president of the international group for Smithfield Foods, said: “Export markets are key for the continued growth of all US hog producers and pork processors. This new project further positions the company to meet the demands of consumers in these key markets, benefitting our national and local economies, including creating new jobs in Sioux Falls.”
South Dakota governor-elect Kristi Noem added: “In South Dakota, one in ten jobs are in manufacturing and agriculture is the number one industry in our state. Smithfield’s latest investment bolsters these two key industries, which has a far-reaching, positive economic impact across the entire state.”
The 70 new employees will join nearly 3,600 others at Smithfield’s Sioux Falls facility, which was built in 1909 and produces fresh pork, ready-to-cook bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, and smoked hams.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024