USA: Smithfield to close Iowa facility

US food firm Smithfield Foods has announced the closure of a facility in Altoona (IA) that carries out ham boning.

In a press release, the firm said it planned to consolidate production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing operations.

The facility’s 314 employees will be provided with transition assistance, including severance, financial incentives and alternative opportunities at the firm.

Production will be moved to existing plants in Monmouth (IL), Sioux Falls (SD) and Crete (NE).

Described as one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies, and with a history dating back to 1936, Smithfield Foods has a portfolio of brands that includes Smithfield, Eckrich, Gwaltney and Nathan’s Famous.

Source: Smithfield Foods