Dec. 7, 2018

Smithfield Foods Inc. will invest nearly $45 million and add 70 jobs to its Sioux Falls operation.

That includes renovating a high-speed bacon line, a ground seasoned pork operation and the distribution center, as well as the rebuilding of a facility that houses more than 8,000 hogs. This investment and expansion will help Smithfield meet the increasing domestic demand for bacon and international demand for ground seasoned pork, a growing category in export markets.

“At Smithfield, we’re committed to our continual investment in our facilities and farms in Sioux Falls,” Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and CEO for Smithfield Foods, said in a news release.. “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.”

With U.S. demand for bacon on the rise, Smithfield is increasing its bacon capacity by upgrading equipment to include high-speed lines, the company said. The renovations, on track to be completed by May 2019, will improve the volume, yield and quality of the bacon produced by the facility.

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 center, which is on schedule to be completed by March 2019. Once complete, it will be the most modern operation in the industry, incorporating the latest technology for automated packaging, boxing, labeling and stacking, the company said.

“Export markets are key for the continued growth of all U.S. hog producers and pork processors,” said Jason Richter, president of the international group for Smithfield Foods. “This new project further positions the company to meet the demands of consumers in these key markets, benefiting our national and local economies, including creating new jobs in Sioux Falls.”

Smithfield is also renovating its hog barn, which will be complete in early fall 2019. The new barn’s features and design will reflect leading animal-handling practices, including automatic climate control systems.

“For decades, we’ve called Smithfield and its employees our neighbors,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said. “I’m thankful for Smithfield’s long-term commitment to Sioux Falls and their continued investment in our community, and proud to partner with them on this project.”

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.