Smithfield Foods plans to close its Altoona factory, affecting 314 workers

Altoona, Iowa – On Monday, Smithfield Foods revealed its intention to shut down its ham boning plant in Altoona, resulting in the layoff of 314 workers.

According to a press statement, the 314 workers who will be affected by the shutdown will get transition support, which will include severance pay, financial incentives to ensure business continuity, and possible job prospects with other Smithfield operations.

“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.”

It is anticipated that production will be combined at sites in Crete, Nebraska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Monmouth, Illinois. The corporation claimed that the change will increase manufacturing efficiency.

At farms and food processing facilities in Carroll, Denison, Des Moines, Mason City, Orange City, Sioux Center, and Sioux City, Smithfield employs close to 4,000 people in Iowa.