SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken joined industry leaders Monday morning to announce what officials are calling a generational investment in South Dakota agriculture. Smithfield Foods will construct a new, state-of-the-art production facility at Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls, replacing its century-old downtown plant.

The announcement, held at 9 a.m. today, included former Governor Dennis Daugaard and Smithfield Foods President and CEO Shane Smith. The project represents a massive shift for the company, which has operated at its current site along the Big Sioux River since 1909.

“This is a significant investment in Sioux Falls and American agriculture,” Smith said during the briefing.

The new facility will span 1.1 million square feet of production space, making it the largest in the Smithfield network and the most technologically advanced meat processing plant in the country. Company officials stated the facility will feature high-level automation and modern information technology systems designed to increase efficiency and animal handling standards.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, the company processes approximately 28 million hogs annually across its global operations.

“This is a huge win for for agriculture in South Dakota.” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This project is a win for South Dakota.”

The move to Foundation Park, an industrial development located near the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90, provides the company with direct rail access and improved logistics for its shipping routes. Construction is expected to proceed over the next several years, with the company aiming for the facility to be fully operational by the end of 2028.