Largest US Pork Packer Closing California Plant, Citing High Costs and Red Tape

Largest US Pork Packer Closing California Plant, Citing High Costs and Red Tape

• Smithfields Inc., the largest pork packer in the United States, is leaving California due to high operational costs and red tape.

“...“Smithfield is taking these steps due to the escalating cost of doing business in California,” the company explained.

...Jim Monroe, vice president for corporate affairs of Smithfield, said two main factors drove the company’s decision: high costs and overregulation.
“The cost of doing business in California is significantly higher than other states where we operate. 

• Utilities, for example, are 3.5 times per head higher than our other location where we do the same work. 
• Taxes and other costs are significantly higher,” he told The Epoch Times.
• Meanwhile, it’s also challenging to operate in the Golden State because of the red tape..."