SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Global Foods Processing Inc., which has been in Sioux City for 17 years, plans to build a 67,000-sq.-ft. building on 10 acres that was formerly the John Morrell & Co. meatpacking site, according to The Associated Press. Already operating a meat plant in Sioux City employing 175 people, the $10 million expansion could begin later this year or in early 2012 and would add nearly 200 jobs.

The company exports sausages and other prepared meat and sells 85% to 90% of its products to global markets.


After the former Morrell plant is demolished, Global Foods will be the first tenant in a new business park the city plans to develop. The subsidiary of Smithfield, Va.-based Smithfield Foods closed the plant in April 2010, eliminating more than 1,400 jobs.

Smithfield Foods has agreed to give the 23-acre site to the city, Sioux City officials said. The City Council is expected to formally accept the deed to the property on March 7.