The plan is to close the slaughter and pork processing plant April 20, according to Smithfield Foods, the parent company of John Morrell. Morrell is a major buyer of hogs from pork producers.
Currently, city and Morrell officials are in talks about further decisions regarding the closure.
"The city is awaiting formal written confirmation of the closing,'' city economic development director Marty Dougherty said. "More information will be provided after we meet with Morrell officials.''
City aid
Reports state that in 1993, Morrell, said that it would shut the Sioux City plant, however the city convinced the company to not go ahead after providing a $1 million aid package.
The plant, employs 1,500 people and has the capacity to slaughter 14,000 hogs a day.
Source: siouxcityjournal.com/ desmoinesregister.com
