Smithfield Foods to Build New Facility in Sioux Falls

The $1.3 billion investment will replace the company's existing plant in the city.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Smithfield Foods, a major 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 the company's existing plant in the city, which has been a central part of the regional economy for over 100 years. The new facility will feature advanced automation and efficiency improvements.

Why it matters

Smithfield's investment represents a significant commitment to the Sioux Falls region and the broader agricultural economy in South Dakota. The new facility will support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers, and other sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in the area.

The details

The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000+-acre heavy industrial park located in northwest Sioux Falls. It will replace Smithfield's existing plant, which currently employs 3,200 people and provides $200 million in annual wages. The new, highly automated facility is expected to deliver significant efficiency gains to Smithfield's operations.

  • Smithfield announced the plans on February 16, 2026.
  • The company plans to complete the new facility over the next three years.

The players

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

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

Larry Rhoden

The Governor of South Dakota.

Paul TenHaken

The Mayor of Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Development Foundation

A local organization that has worked with Smithfield on the new facility opportunity.

Shane Smith

The president and CEO of Smithfield Foods.

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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

What’s next

Smithfield must secure required permits and other regulatory approvals, as well as approval of the final facility design by the company's board of directors, before proceeding with the $1.3 billion investment.

The takeaway

Smithfield's decision to build a new state-of-the-art facility in Sioux Falls underscores the city's and the state's importance as a hub for the pork industry and broader agricultural economy. The investment will help secure the region's economic future and support thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly.