On June 10, 2022, we learned with the rest of Utah that Smithfield Foods announced plans to change its supply chain and relocate most of its operations to the Midwest. As reported by local media, this may significantly impact the hog harvesting and processing work currently done at the company’s Beaver County facility, potentially eliminating 250 or more jobs.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) will engage with local stakeholders in discussions at the Capitol on June 14, 2022, to find ways the state can support and continue to provide economic opportunities to the affected workers.
“We’re concerned, and we look forward to working with Smithfield Foods and Beaver County constituents,” said Ryan Starks, the office’s managing director of business services. “Go Utah will do all it can through its Center for Rural Development and other initiatives to support the impacted workers and their families.”