New US pork plant begins operations
Once the facility reaches full production, employment levels are set to be 1,100. The facility will be capable of processing 10,000 head of market hogs a day at full one-shift capacity.
In order to reach its aims, the plant will utilise robotics and innovative technologies to produce a full line of fresh pork products available for retail, international and foodservice channels, while having a focus on high-quality and consistent pork. Products will be marketed and sold under the PrairieFresh Premium Pork and Seaboard Farms brands while providing Daily’s Premium Meats with raw materials for its pork products.
‘Environmentally friendly’ factory
“We’ve seen great support from the community and local and state government,” said chief operating officer Mark Porter. “With their input and focus on stewardship, the plant design includes modern odour control technologies, bioenergy solutions, and numerous environmentally friendly features.”
STF is a joint venture owned in equal parts by Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods, which established the venture in order to bring a pork processing facility to Sioux City.
Just under one-third of the market hogs going through the new plant will come from regional farmers aligned with Seaboard Foods’ and Triumph Foods’ animal care and environmental stewardship practices. The remaining 70% of pigs will come from Triumph Foods’ producer-owners and Seaboard Foods’ farms.
Porter added: “I couldn’t be more proud of the new plant, our team, and all the local and state partners that have helped bring this project to completion over the past two years. We are excited to begin commercial operations and supply the most sought-after pork products to our diverse global consumers.”
