ABERDEEN, SD — The opening of a new but long-delayed Northern Beef Packers beef packing plant near Aberdeen is facing another delay, the Associated Press relays. Without providing a specific date, David Palmer, CEO told The Aberdeen American News the plant was scheduled to open in 2011 but will now open later than Jan. 1.

The new, $100 million plant is designed to slaughter 1,500 cattle per day and employ more than 600 workers once fully operational. The land was acquired for the plant in 2006. Construction had stalled several times since then, but the project was revitalized when a group of Korean investors took over in 2009.


Palmer insists, however, the plant’s opening will take place in a matter of weeks, not years. The important thing, he added, is the plant is making progress to finally opening for business.