Smithfield to build $1.3B pork processing plant | Construction Dive
Summary
Smithfield Foods plans to invest $1.3 billion in a new pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, replacing a century-old facility to enhance efficiency and expand its packaged meats operations.
Why It Matters
This investment highlights Smithfield's strategic shift towards automation and efficiency in response to rising costs in the meat industry. It reflects broader trends in food production, where companies are adapting to market demands and supply chain challenges. The new facility is expected to create jobs and contribute to local economic growth while addressing consumer preferences for packaged meats.
Key Takeaways
- Smithfield is investing $1.3 billion in a new, automated pork processing plant.
- The new facility will replace a 100-year-old plant, improving operational efficiency.
- Smithfield aims to grow its packaged meats segment, responding to market demand.
- The investment reflects a trend of automation in the meatpacking industry.
- The project is expected to create jobs and support local economic development.
An article from Dive Brief Smithfield to build $1.3B pork processing plant The facility, which will also produce packaged meats, will replace a more than 100-year-old plant in South Dakota and provide “significant efficiency gains.” Published Feb. 17, 2026 Sarah Zimmerman Editor Share Copy link Email LinkedIn X/Twitter Facebook Print License Add us on Google Preliminary designs for Smithfield Foods' Sioux Falls manufacturing facility Courtesy of Smithfield Foods First published on Listen to the article 3 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Dive Brief: Smithfield Foods said Monday it would spend up to $1.3 billion over the next three years on a new combined packaged meats and pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The highly automated facility is set to be "the most modern of its kind in the U.S.," the pork giant said in a statement, and will help deliver "significant efficiency gains" to the company's fresh pork and high-value packaged meat operations. The building will replace the pork giant's existing manufacturing facility in the city, which is more than 100 years old. The plant is expected to begin production at the end of 2028. Dive Insight: Smithfield is reshaping its U.S. manufacturing footprint as meatpackers face rising costs for live animals and look for new ways to save money. After a period of low prices, hog costs began rising in 2025 and are expected to continue to increase this year as demand for protein li...
