The Grayson facility, which produces Smithfield brand spiral sliced hams, will be hiring 40 full-time positions in general production, maintenance and engineering.
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.
The Grayson facility currently employs more than 570 residents from the Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia areas.
“In the last several years, our growth has allowed us to invest in our facilities and create new opportunities for those living in the communities we call home,” said Jeff Salyer, Grayson plant manager for Smithfield Foods, Inc.
“We are proud to invest in Grayson and look forward to welcoming new members of the Smithfield Family at this facility, which helps put holiday hams and other mealtime favorites on millions of tables each year.”
Sheri Wallace, human resources manager for Smithfield’s Grayson facility said: “Beyond the above-average pay and highly competitive benefits, Smithfield’s employees can participate in a variety of company-organized initiatives that encourage community involvement, career advancement, and personal development. The resources available to our employees are unrivalled by many, especially within the Tri-State area.”
In July 2018, it moved to debunk media reports that it has stopped production in the Virginia town of Smithfield. It had been reported that the smokehouse, which produces Genuine Smithfield Hams, was to close ceasing production in the area. However, Smithfield Foods said these reports were “sensationalised and exaggerated”.
In the same month it was revealed that it had acquired a poultry plant in Poland to help target the frozen food market.
Smithfield Foods is the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook’s, Kretschmar, Gwaltney and Curly’s.