SMITHFIELD, Va. – Construction of a new $12 million bacon-slicing plant is set to begin in Cudahy, Wis. Patrick Cudahy, subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, broke ground on the facility April 2. The plant will be built in the same location as a previous facility that was destroyed by fire in July 2009.
The 17,000 sq. ft. plant will include four slicing lines, the company said. The facility is expected to be fully operational by December, Smithfield said, and the lines will raise the company's bacon processing capacity by about 10 million lbs. Initially, the new plant will not require additional employment, the company said.
"We are very excited about our new facility because it will enhance our competitiveness and help to secure the future of our bacon business and the jobs associated with it," said Daniel Kapella, president of Patrick Cudahy, Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division.
