Smithfield Foods to Build New State-of-the-Art Processing Facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Rhea-AI Summary
Smithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD) initiated approvals to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a preliminary investment of up to $1.3 billion over three years.
Site work could begin spring 2026, groundbreaking is anticipated in H1 2027, and production is expected to start by the end of 2028, subject to permits, regulatory approvals and final board sign-off.
Positive
- Up to $1.3B investment planned over three years
- 3,200 local jobs currently employed in Sioux Falls with <$200M annual wages
- Modernization and efficiency gains via advanced automation and streamlined design
- Production targeted end of 2028, creating long-term operational capacity
Negative
- Project contingent on required permits, regulatory approvals and board approval
- Preliminary estimate status creates funding and scope uncertainty
- Multi-year timeline with production not expected until late 2028
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SFD gained 2.24% while key peers were mixed: CAG -0.85%, LW -1.46%, BRFS -4.79%, INGR +0.89%, POST +1.29%. Momentum scanner only flagged FLO at -8.72%, reinforcing a stock-specific move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Nathan’s acquisition deal | Positive | -1.1% | Agreed cash acquisition of Nathan’s Famous with expected EPS accretion and synergies. |
| Jan 20 | Education donation | Positive | -0.3% | Eckrich $600,000 contribution and broader $3.5 million teacher support initiative. |
| Jan 13 | Impact grants launch | Positive | +2.1% | Launch of Impact Grant Program backed by prior $32 million community investment. |
| Dec 16 | Holiday ham donations | Positive | +0.3% | Distribution of 1,000 holiday hams as part of Season of Serving hunger relief. |
| Nov 21 | Protein donation drive | Positive | +1.0% | Donation of 32,000 pounds of protein providing 128,000 servings at Mayflower Marathon. |
Recent company and community news has typically produced modest single-day moves, often positive but sometimes diverging from upbeat headlines.
Over the last few months, Smithfield has combined strategic and community-focused initiatives. The Jan 21, 2026 agreement to acquire Nathan’s Famous for $102 per share implied an enterprise value near $450 million, yet the stock slipped 1.11%. Community and brand-building efforts in late 2025 and early 2026, including donations and grant programs, generally saw small positive reactions. Today’s large facility announcement continues a pattern of long-term strategic investment layered on top of steady operating and community activity.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement outlines a major capital project: a new, highly automated facility in Sioux Falls with a preliminary investment of up to $1.3 billion over three years, replacing a century-old plant. It reinforces Smithfield’s focus on efficiency in fresh pork and packaged meats while supporting regional agriculture. Investors may watch for permitting progress, final board approval of the design, adherence to the 2026–2028 build-out timeline, and how this capacity fits alongside recent moves like the Nathan’s acquisition.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Partnership with City of Sioux Falls and State of South Dakota Represents Defining Investment in American Agriculture
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Feb. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD), an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced it has initiated the approval process to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The new facility, which is subject to permitting and other regulatory and design approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000+-acre heavy industrial park located in northwest Sioux Falls, and will replace Smithfield’s existing plant, which has played a central role in the regional economy for more than 100 years. The company currently employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, providing
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.
Smithfield’s preliminary estimate of the proposed investment is up to
The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern of its kind in the U.S., with highly efficient process flow, advanced automation technology and a streamlined design. The new, best-in-class facility will deliver significant efficiency gains to Smithfield’s fresh pork and high-value packaged meats operations.
Smithfield has worked in partnership with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation on the opportunity to build the new facility outside of downtown Sioux Falls. The new facility will support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers and other agricultural sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in South Dakota and the surrounding region.
“This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield’s investment supports our long-term strategy of continuing to grow and optimize our value-added packaged meats and fresh pork operations to deliver innovation, convenience and value to our customers.”
“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota’s economy," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Smithfield’s proposed investment in South Dakota opens up greater opportunity for our state to expand livestock production, and the company’s decision to relocate from downtown Sioux Falls opens up the opportunity to revitalize the downtown riverfront. This is a win-win-win-win for producers, the company, the city, and the state of South Dakota.”
“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,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “This investment by Smithfield unlocks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the existing site in downtown Sioux Falls when the time is right.”
“Smithfield’s investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agriculture economy,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “The new facility will bring skilled jobs for Smithfield’s workforce, provide renewed value-added agriculture opportunities for regional producers and create an incredible redevelopment opportunity in Downtown Sioux Falls. We’re grateful for Smithfield’s commitment to Sioux Falls and are looking forward to welcoming them to their new home in Foundation Park.”
If approved, Smithfield’s new state-of-the-art facility will be constructed in Foundation Park, the state’s largest industrial park, at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 in Sioux Falls. Site work is expected to begin at the new location in the spring of 2026 with initial groundbreaking anticipated in the first half of 2027 and production expected to begin at the end of 2028.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.
About Sioux Falls Development Foundation
Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has been leading the way in creating one of the most vibrant, secure, and growing economies in the nation. Founded by a group of far-sighted business leaders, the SFDF is a non-profit economic development corporation with the mission of improving the economy of the Sioux Falls region. We connect businesses with the people, tools and resources they need to be successful.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our plans to construct a new facility in Sioux Falls, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “will,” “expects,” “expected, “anticipated,” or “estimates” or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions.
We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Although we believe we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect our ability to construct a new facility in Sioux Falls, or could delay or increase the costs of construction, include, among others, (1) issues with securing zoning approvals, easements and other land-use entitlements, (2) issues with securing environmental, air, water and waste-management and other federal, state and local permitting, (3) adequacy of water supply, wastewater treatment capacity or other utility infrastructure, (4) community opposition, public hearings or litigation, (5) construction costs, contractor availability, supply-chain disruptions, inflation and labor shortages, (6) transportation, logistics and infrastructure constraints, (7) financing, economic conditions and the availability of incentives or governmental support, and (8) changes in laws, regulations or governmental policies. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, we undertake no duty to, and expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to, update or revise any statement made in this press release.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to construct the proposed facility in Sioux Falls in a timely or economical fashion or at all. You should consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risks and uncertainties, and investors should not consider any list of risks and uncertainties to be exhaustive or complete. The foregoing factors should be read in conjunction with the risks that affect our business contained in our SEC filings, including reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.” Copies of our filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting our Investor Relations Department at ir@smithfield.com or by clicking on SEC Filings on our Investor Relations website at investors.smithfieldfoods.com.
Contact:
Media:
Ray Atkinson
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 576-1383
ratkinson@smithfield.com
Investor:
Julie MacMedan
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
ir@smithfield.com
FAQ
What is Smithfield Foods (SFD) investing in Sioux Falls on February 16, 2026?
When will construction and production for Smithfield's new SFD facility in Sioux Falls start?
How many people does Smithfield (SFD) currently employ in Sioux Falls and what wages are involved?
What approvals does Smithfield Foods (SFD) need before the Sioux Falls facility proceeds?
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