Smithfield Foods to Build New Facility in Sioux Falls

The $1.3 billion investment will replace the company's existing 100-year-old plant in the city.

Published on Feb. 18, 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 proposed $1.3 billion investment over the next three years will replace Smithfield's existing plant in the city, which has been a central part of the regional economy for over a century. The new facility will be located in Foundation Park, a large industrial park in northwest Sioux Falls, and is expected to begin production by the end of 2028.

Why it matters

Smithfield's decision to invest in a new facility in Sioux Falls reaffirms the company's long-term commitment to the region and the importance of the pork industry to South Dakota's agricultural economy. The new plant will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, as well as independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers, and other sectors of the pork supply chain.

The details

The proposed new 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 closely with state and local officials on the project, which is contingent on securing required permits and regulatory approvals as well as final approval from the company's board of directors.

  • Smithfield announced the plans on February 16, 2026.
  • 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 at the new facility is expected to begin by the end of 2028.

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, South Dakota.

Bob Mundt

The president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

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 (americanagnetwork.com)

“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 (americanagnetwork.com)

“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 (americanagnetwork.com)

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

— Bob Mundt, President and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

Smithfield must secure the required permits and regulatory approvals, as well as final approval from the company's board of directors, before beginning construction on the new facility.

The takeaway

Smithfield's decision to invest $1.3 billion in a new state-of-the-art processing facility in Sioux Falls underscores the importance of the pork industry to South Dakota's agricultural economy and the company's long-term commitment to the region. The new plant will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, as well as independent farmers and other sectors of the supply chain, while also unlocking an opportunity to redevelop Smithfield's existing downtown site.