UNITED STATES-SMITHFIELD ENLARGE MEAT PLANT.
Smithfield Packing Co. says it plans to expand a plant in southern Kentucky and add up to 250 new jobs.
Smithfield President Tim Schellpeper says the company plans a $7 million expansion of the Cumberland Gap plant in Middlesboro that will include new smokehouses and new packing equipment.
The Middlesboro Daily News reports 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.
Smithfield Foods Inc. said this month that it plans to cut 1,800 jobs and close six factories amid a slump in the meat industry.
The plant will produce smoked meats under the Cumberland Gap and Smithfield brands.