SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Smithfield Foods Inc., a subsidiary of WH Group of China, received a city building permit from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a $12.5 million expansion of its pork processing plant.

According to local media reports including the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the investment will be used to build a holding barn addition. The newspaper reported that Smithfield previously received a $2 million permit in May for a holding barn.  

Smithfield Foods employs 3,400 people in the Sioux Falls area.