The Sioux-Preme Packing Co. pork plant in Sioux County, Iowa, owned by Perdue Farms, will undergo an expansion that will enable the company to create 50 jobs.
Construction of the primary structure is expected to begin in September and be completed by November 2019, according to a press release from Perdue Farms. The company is investing $29 million in the 50,000 square-foot, two story expansion.
“The expansion will help us meet the growing demand for custom cuts in our specialty pork business, and enhance the level of service and reliability our customers expect,” said Gary Malenke, senior vice president of Perdue Pork Operations.
Plans for the plant include additional production capability with state-of-the art automation. The expansion will not increase the number of hogs to be harvested at the facility.
“Taking advantage of the latest in robotics and 3D precision-cutting technology is essential for our long-term success,” said Malenke. “This is very sophisticated equipment and requires skilled workers to operate it.”
The pork plant project is being awarded direct financial assistance and tax benefits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. Of the 50 jobs being created, ten of them are incented at a qualifying wage of $20.41 per hour, IEDA stated in a press release.
Perdue Farms, which is also the fourth-largest broiler company in the United States, acquired the Sioux-Preme Packing Co. in 2015 as part of its acquisition of Natural Food Holdings. Also included in that acquisition were the Niman Ranch and Prairie Grove Brands.
The Sioux-Preme plant produces premium pork products for the Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural and Sioux Preme brands
