Smithfield Foods has initiated the approval process to build a packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, representing a preliminary investment estimate of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years.
The new facility, subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000-acre heavy industrial park in northwest Sioux Falls. It will replace Smithfield’s existing plant, which has operated for more than 100 years in downtown Sioux Falls.
Investment details
The investment is contingent on securing required permits, regulatory approvals and approval of the final facility design by Smithfield’s board of directors. Site work is expected to begin in spring 2026 with initial groundbreaking anticipated in the first half of 2027 and production expected to begin at the end of 2028.
The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern of its kind in the United States, featuring highly efficient process flow, advanced automation technology and a streamlined design. The new facility will deliver significant efficiency gains to Smithfield’s fresh pork and high-value packaged meats operations.
Employment and economic impact
Smithfield currently employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, providing $200 million in wages annually, and supports thousands of indirect jobs in agriculture and other sectors. The new facility will support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers and other agricultural sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in South Dakota and the surrounding region.
“This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods.
“Smithfield’s investment supports our long-term strategy of continuing to grow and optimize our value-added packaged meats and fresh pork operations to deliver innovation, convenience and value to our customers.”
Government partnership
Smithfield has worked in partnership with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation on the opportunity to build the new facility outside of downtown Sioux Falls.
“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota’s economy,” said Gov. Rhoden.
“Smithfield’s proposed investment in South Dakota opens up greater opportunity for our state to expand livestock production, and the company’s decision to relocate from downtown Sioux Falls opens up the opportunity to revitalize the downtown riverfront. This is a win-win-win-win for producers, the company, the city, and the state of South Dakota.”
Mayor TenHaken said, “Today’s announcement marks a historic moment for our city and state. For more than a century, Smithfield has been a cornerstone of our community, and this new, state-of-the-art facility reaffirms their long-term commitment to Sioux Falls and the region – supporting our AG economy and thousands of local jobs for generations to come. This investment by Smithfield unlocks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the existing site in downtown Sioux Falls when the time is right.”
Development impact
The new facility will be constructed at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 in Sioux Falls, the state’s largest industrial park.
“Smithfield’s investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agriculture economy,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“The new facility will bring skilled jobs for Smithfield’s workforce, provide renewed value-added agriculture opportunities for regional producers and create an incredible redevelopment opportunity in Downtown Sioux Falls. We’re grateful for Smithfield’s commitment to Sioux Falls and are looking forward to welcoming them to their new home in Foundation Park.”
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