SMITHFIELD, VA. — Smithfield Foods Inc. confirmed on July 1 plans close its Altoona, Iowa ham boning facility and consolidate production volume at other locations.

The company stated that it would provide transition assistance to 314 plant employees who will be affected by the closure. 

Smithfield plans to meet with employees individually and provide details about the transition plan, including severance and financial incentives to assure business continuity and potential employment opportunities at Smithfield. 

“We appreciate the good work our Altoona employees have done over the years and are committed to supporting every employee through this transition,” said Doug Sutton, chief manufacturing officer for Smithfield Foods. “We have been successful in retaining many of our people in positions with Smithfield during previous consolidations and will provide information about opportunities at other Smithfield locations.” 

The production at the Altoona facility will be consolidated into existing facilities run by Smithfield in Monmouth, Ill.; Sioux Falls, SD; and Crete, Neb. 

The company employs almost 4,000 people in Iowa at its farms and its meat-processing facilities in Carroll, Denison, Des Moines, Mason City, Orange City, Sioux Center and Sioux City.