SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced today that it will be extending its lease on office space in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as make improvements to its facility in Platte County. The extended lease represents an investment of well over $10 million in rent and capital investments by the company.
Smithfield formerly operated in Kansas City through Farmland Foods, which has had a presence in the city since 1959. Smithfield's organizational realignment earlier this year unified all its independent-operating companies, brands and marketing, including Farmland, under one corporate umbrella with continued emphasis on growing its branded packaged meats business.
Smithfield’s Chief Executive Officer C. Larry Pope commented, “Smithfield has been a part of the Kansas City community for many years, and it is important for us to maintain that commitment. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and our Kansas City office provides them with the opportunity to thrive and develop their careers.”
“Smithfield has been a major Kansas City employer for many years, and we are thrilled to see the company deepen its roots in our city,” Mayor Sly James said. “We are grateful that they see the value of remaining in Kansas City, Missouri, and will continue to benefit from our central location, skilled workforce and innovative economic community."
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.