Smithfield Foods to Build New Facility in Sioux Falls

$1.3 billion investment will replace century-old plant and support regional agriculture

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Smithfield Foods, a leading American food company, has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The $1.3 billion investment will replace Smithfield's existing plant in the city, which has been a cornerstone of the regional economy for over 100 years. The new facility will be located in Foundation Park and is expected to begin production by the end of 2028.

Why it matters

Smithfield's investment represents a major commitment to South Dakota's agriculture economy, supporting independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers, and other sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in the region. The new facility will also unlock an opportunity to redevelop Smithfield's existing downtown Sioux Falls site.

The details

The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern of its kind in the U.S., featuring highly efficient process flow, advanced automation technology, and a streamlined design. Smithfield has worked in partnership with state and local officials on the project, which is contingent on securing required permits and regulatory approvals as well as final board approval.

  • Site work is expected to begin at the new location in the spring of 2026.
  • Initial groundbreaking is anticipated in the first half of 2027.
  • Production is expected to begin at the end of 2028.

The players

Smithfield Foods

An American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork.

Larry Rhoden

Governor of South Dakota.

Paul TenHaken

Mayor of Sioux Falls.

Bob Mundt

President and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Shane Smith

President and CEO of Smithfield Foods.

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What they’re saying

“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota's economy.”

— Larry Rhoden, Governor of South Dakota (Globe Newswire)

“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.”

— Paul TenHaken, Mayor of Sioux Falls (Globe Newswire)

“Smithfield's investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agriculture economy. 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.”

— Bob Mundt, President and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (Globe Newswire)

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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Smithfield's investment in a new state-of-the-art facility in Sioux Falls represents a major commitment to the region's agriculture economy and will unlock opportunities to revitalize the city's downtown. The project highlights the importance of food production and processing to South Dakota's economic future.