SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Global Foods Processing Inc. has announced plans to expand its operation in Sioux City with the construction of a new facility on the site of the former John Morrell & Co. meatpacking plant.
The company already has a plant in Sioux City. It employs 175 people and KTIV-TV in Sioux City reported that the $10 million expansion would add nearly 200 jobs.
Global Foods, which has been in Sioux City for 17 years, plans to build a 67,000-square-foot building on 10 acres at the former Morrell site. Construction could begin later this year or in early 2012. The company cited growing pork exports for the need to expand.
The company is listed as an exporter of sausages and other prepared meat and sells 85 to 90 percent of its products overseas.
Global Foods would be the first tenant in a new business park the city plans to develop after the former Morrell plant is demolished. The subsidiary of Smithfield, Va.-based Smithfield Foods closed the plant in April, eliminating over 1,400 jobs.
Smithfield Foods has agreed to give the 23-acre site to the city, Sioux City officials said. The City Council is expected to formally accept the deed to the property on Monday.
Sioux City Economic Development Director Marty Dougherty said it's a "win-win situation."
Councilman Aaron Rochester said the city is excited that Global Foods plans to expand and build on the site.
"We are excited that Global has chosen to locate a second facility in Sioux City after looking at locations in several states," he said. "They are an excellent fit ... and greatly enhance future business development."