Smithfield Foods Proposes $1.3 Billion Pork Processing Complex in Sioux Falls

The new state-of-the-art facility would replace Smithfield's existing downtown plant and feature advanced automation.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Smithfield Foods has launched the approval process for a proposed $1.3 billion, state-of-the-art fresh pork and packaged meats processing complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The new facility, which remains subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, would replace Smithfield's existing downtown plant and feature advanced automation, a streamlined layout, and enhanced process flow aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting the company's value-added growth strategy.

Why it matters

This investment reflects a broader industry trend toward automation, modernization, and integrated processing efficiencies as companies adapt to labor pressures, food safety expectations, and evolving consumer demand for value-added products. For South Dakota producers and the broader Upper Midwest pork industry, the proposed complex would reinforce Sioux Falls as a critical processing hub.

The details

The new facility would be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000-acre industrial park in northwest Sioux Falls. If approved, site work is expected to begin in spring 2026, with groundbreaking anticipated in the first half of 2027. Production at the new plant could begin by the end of 2028. Smithfield currently employs approximately 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, generating about $200 million in annual wages and supporting thousands of additional indirect jobs tied to the regional pork supply chain.

  • Smithfield launched the approval process in February 2026.
  • Site work is expected to begin in spring 2026.
  • Groundbreaking is anticipated in the first half of 2027.
  • Production at the new plant could begin by the end of 2028.

The players

Smithfield Foods

A leading pork processing company that has proposed the $1.3 billion processing complex in Sioux Falls.

Shane Smith

The president and CEO of Smithfield Foods.

Larry Rhoden

The governor of South Dakota.

Paul TenHaken

The mayor of Sioux Falls.

Bob Mundt

The president of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture.”

— Shane Smith, President and CEO of Smithfield Foods (Smithfield Foods press release)

“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.”

— Shane Smith, President and CEO of Smithfield Foods (Smithfield Foods press release)

“The project would strengthen livestock production across the state while creating redevelopment opportunities at the existing downtown site.”

— Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota (Smithfield Foods press release)

What’s next

Final approvals for the project are still pending, and site work is expected to begin in spring 2026 if the project is approved.

The takeaway

This $1.3 billion investment by Smithfield Foods in a state-of-the-art pork processing complex in Sioux Falls signals a generational shift in U.S. pork processing infrastructure, as companies continue to invest in automation, modernization, and integrated processing efficiencies to adapt to industry challenges and evolving consumer demands.