Smithfield Foods $1.3 Billion Plan has announced to build a state-of-the-art pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, marking one of the largest private investments in South Dakota in recent years. The company revealed that the project could reach an estimated $1.3 billion over the next three years, pending final approvals.
The new plant will be located in Foundation Park, a major industrial hub situated near Interstates 29 and 90. It is designed to replace the company’s aging downtown facility, which has been in operation for more than a century.
According to company officials, the new processing site will combine fresh pork and packaged meats operations under one modernized roof. The facility is expected to incorporate advanced automation, upgraded food safety systems, and enhanced efficiency technologies aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains. Smithfield Foods $1.3 Billion Plan reflects confidence in the local workforce and the long-term future of American meat production.
Currently, the company employs approximately 3,200 workers in Sioux Falls, contributing an estimated $200 million annually in wages. Leaders say the transition will not only retain these jobs but also create new skilled positions as operations expand and modernize.
State and Local Leaders Praise Economic Impact
State and city officials have described the announcement as a landmark moment for the region’s economy. Governor Larry Rhoden characterized the project as a major win for South Dakota’s agricultural producers and workforce, underscoring the importance of livestock production to both state growth and national food security.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken highlighted the city’s longstanding partnership with Smithfield and noted that keeping the company anchored in Sioux Falls preserves a key employment base. He also emphasized that the move positions the community for continued economic stability and innovation in food processing.
Industry analysts view the decision to remain in Sioux Falls as critical. The existing facility is one of the company’s largest pork-processing plants in the country, sourcing livestock from independent producers across multiple Midwestern states. Retaining and upgrading operations locally ensures continuity for farmers, suppliers, and thousands of families who rely on the plant for income. The move is a key part of Smithfield Foods $1.3 Billion Plan to modernize and expand its operations.
Redevelopment and Timeline for Construction
The relocation also opens the door to major redevelopment opportunities in downtown Sioux Falls. The current facility sits near Falls Park, a prime urban location long considered valuable for commercial and residential expansion. City leaders have indicated that redevelopment plans could reshape the heart of the city once operations fully transition to the new site.
Construction preparations at Foundation Park are expected to begin in spring 2026, with groundbreaking projected for early 2027. If timelines remain on track and regulatory approvals proceed as planned, the facility could begin operations by late 2028.
The project has also attracted significant private support. Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford has reportedly pledged substantial financial backing to help facilitate the transition and future development of the downtown property.
This commitment aligns with Smithfield Foods $1.3 Billion Plan, signaling the scale and ambition of the initiative for Sioux Falls.
