On June10, Smithfield Foods announced it is closing the majority of its operations in Beaver County. During an emergency meeting after the announcement, the Beaver County Commission declared a state of economic emergency due to fear of a ripple effect on the local economy. County officials say the closure will affect more than 250 jobs, although a Smithfield spokesman disputes that claim.

In their announcement, Smithfield Foods announced that it plans to “align its hog production systems by reducing its sow herd in its Wester region.” It was also shared that the company plans on providing “transition assistance” to affected employees, including offering relocation options within the company.

In their emergency declaration, county leaders pled for “all municipal, state and national governments and organizations to assist the county by providing resources to explore ways to maintain the hog operation in Beaver and Iron County and to provide for processing in a responsible and economic profitable manner.”