MIDDLESBORO, KY. — Smithfield Packing Co. plans to expand a plant in southern Kentucky and add up to 250 new jobs, according to The Associated Press. Tim Schellpeper, Smithfield president, said the company plans a $7 million expansion of the Cumberland Gap plant in Middlesboro that will include new smokehouses and new packing equipment.

The plant will become part of Smithfield Packing Company, which will shift production from other Smithfield facilities as part of a restructuring of the company's operations, according to The Middlesboro Daily News. The facility will process smoked meats under the Cumberland Gap and Smithfield brands.

Earlier this month, parent company Smithfield Foods Inc. announced plans to cut 1,800 jobs and close six plants in a reorganization of its pork business.

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