While strolling around downtown Sioux Falls, most residents anticipate the acrid smell of Sioux Falls’ infamous meat-processing and packaging plant: Smithfield.
On Feb. 16, a press conference was held in Sioux Falls where the CEO and President of Smithfield Foods, Shane Smith, announced the construction of a brand new Smithfield plant in northwest Sioux Falls that would replace the century-old plant currently residing within the downtown Falls Park area. Also in attendance at the press conference were Sioux Falls mayor Paul TenHaken and South Dakota governor Larry Rhoden, who discussed the economic and social impacts of the move on the city and state.
Since 1909, the John Morrell and Smithfield plants have operated in Sioux Falls and have become vital to South Dakota’s economy in the process. The current plant provides $200 million in wages to 3,200 employees in the Sioux Falls area and supports farms and farmers across the region. “[Agriculture] is king in South Dakota. So, when agriculture succeeds, our whole economy in South Dakota succeeds,” said Rhoden.
The new Smithfield plant will be strategically located in Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls. Situated between major interstates I-90 and I-29, the plant will be far more accessible to workers and deliverers. The state-of-the-art plant will be the best and most advanced of its kind in the United States. It will feature 1.1 million square feet of production space and be the largest combined packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Smithfield’s network. “When the new facility opens, our employees will be coming to work in the most modern and technologically advanced facility in the entire country,” said Smith.
Construction of the new plant is set to begin in 2027, although no plans are concrete. The company hopes to begin production in its new plant in 2028. Smithfield has proposed a $90 million tax increment financing district, which would help absorb the costs of building a new wastewater treatment plant. On March 4, this permit was approved along with a conditional use permit. Due to the plant’s proximity to residential areas, the choice is not popular among nearby residents.
Smithfield’s withdrawal from this area will vacate a 120-acre space in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls. T. Denny Sanford, known for his philanthropy in South Dakota, has donated $50 million to the project. This money will allow the Sioux Falls Development Foundation to take ownership of the evacuated land. Deemed “The Sanford District,” there is major potential for this space.
“We plant trees under whose shade we will never sit. We are planting the trees today for future generations,” said TenHaken.
The relocation of the Smithfield plant in Sioux Falls represents a large success for the economy of South Dakota. It will provide new business opportunities in the Sanford District and will provide new job opportunities for South Dakotans. This project represents a major win and prosperity for the state moving forward.
“Well, we’ve worked with Smithfield for 115 years; my hope is that we have another 115 years ahead of us in a new chapter,” said TenHaken.
