New modern pork and packaged meats facility planned in South Dakota
Smithfield Foods has announced plans to begin the approval process for building a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The proposed project represents an investment of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years.
“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.”
The new facility would be built in Foundation Park, a large industrial park in northwest Sioux Falls. If approved, it will replace the company’s current downtown plant, which has operated for more than 100 years and played a major role in the local economy. Smithfield currently employs about 3,200 workers in Sioux Falls and pays approximately $200 million in wages each year, while also supporting thousands of indirect jobs in agriculture and related industries.
“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,” said Rhoden.
The proposed facility will combine fresh pork and value-added packaged meats operations under one modern design. It is expected to feature advanced automation technology, improved process flow, and greater efficiency. Company leaders say the investment aligns with their long-term strategy to grow packaged meats production and strengthen fresh pork operations in the United States.
The project depends on securing required permits, regulatory approvals, and final approval from the company’s board of directors. If approvals move forward as planned, site work could begin in spring 2026, with groundbreaking in early 2027. Production is expected to begin by late 2028.
“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,” said Bob Mundt.
State and local leaders have expressed support for the project. Officials believe the investment will strengthen livestock production, benefit independent hog farmers, and support corn and soybean producers across the region. The relocation from downtown Sioux Falls may also create future redevelopment opportunities for the current site.
If completed, the new facility will be among the most advanced pork processing plants in the United States, reinforcing South Dakota’s role in American agriculture and food production.
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