Smithfield to expand North Carolina meat processing plant

Smithfield Packing, a subsidiary of US-based pork processor Smithfield Foods, plans to invest $85.5m to expand its meat processing plant at Kinston, North Carolina, US.

The project includes the addition of a production line of packaged meats and, once complete, the plant will produce hot dogs, salami, and bologna.

Smithfield Foods president and CEO C Larry Pope said the expansion of the Kinston plant will allow the company to increase its packaged meats production to keep up with growing customer demand.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2013 and is likely to create 330 jobs.

Following the completion of the project, the company plans to close its facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, and shift its operations to the Kinston plant.

Smithfield Packing’s primary areas of business include fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked ham and hot dogs for retail, foodservice and deli channels, and the company exports products to approximately 30 countries.