SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – On Monday, Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced its plans to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The new facility will be built in Foundation Park, the state’s largest industrial park, at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 in Sioux Falls.
The new fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern in the U.S., designed for advanced automation and operational efficiency, and will replace Smithfield’s existing plant.
Currently, Smithfield employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, contributing $200 million in wages each year and supporting thousands of indirect jobs in agriculture and other sectors.
Smithfield estimates a proposed investment of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years, contingent on securing necessary permits and board approval.
“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.”
“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota’s economy,” said Governor Larry 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.”
“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,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.
“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.”
“Smithfield’s investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agricultural 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.”
Work at the new location is set to begin in spring 2026, with groundbreaking expected in early 2027 and production starting by late 2028.
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