YANKTON, S.D. – A leading beef processor is moving out of South Dakota after nearly a century in operation here.
Nearly 300 employees at Cimpl Meats in Yankton were notified their jobs no longer exist, a result of its parent company, American Foods Group, shuttering the South Dakota plant.
The meat processor was first established as family-owned Cimpl Packing Co. in 1949 before the owners sold the plant to Rosen Meat Group in 1988, which American Foods then acquired in 2005. CIMPL’s, LLC is part of the American Foods Group’s fresh meats division. A press release says the closure is due to the unprecedented cattle cycle and other long-term industry changes.
“This week, team members from our other locations are on-site to provide guidance and discuss relocation opportunities. In addition to offering affected employees opportunities at other AFG facilities, we plan to provide continued pay and benefits during the transition. We are committed to standing by our employees and doing everything we can to assist them through this challenging time,” American Foods Group’s Fresh Meats Division President Louie Kohlbeck said in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout.
According to WNAX Radio, first to report the closure, Cimpl Meats has operated in Yankton for 76 years, and the decision to close the plant comes amid falling revenues that have resulted in the Yankton location no longer being profitable for American Foods Group.
Along with employees, city leaders were also notified Monday morning, including Yankton Thrive CEO Nancy Wenande, who told the radio station the economic development booster is in contact with the South Dakota Labor Department as well as the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in hopes of softening the blow for the community and state. Wenande said in a statement Monday the leadership organization was both “surprised and saddened by the decision.”
“Cimpl Meats has been a cornerstone of our community. This transition will undoubtedly have significant economic implications for our area. However, our primary concern lies with the dedicated employees and their families affected by this decision,” she said.
American Foods Group released a statement addressing the closure.
“Today, we made the tough decision to idle harvest operations at our Cimpl’s facility, affecting over 250 employees. We recognize the profound impact this has on our team members, their families, and the community. Our top priority is supporting those affected during this transition. This week, team members from our other locations are on-site to provide guidance and discuss relocation opportunities. In addition to offering affected employees opportunities at other AFG facilities, we plan to provide continued pay and benefits during the transition. We are committed to standing by our employees and doing everything we can to assist them through this challenging time,” said Louie Kohlbeck, President of American Foods Group’s Fresh Meats Division.
All other American Foods Group facilities will remain operational, and customers’ supply chains will not be interrupted. Cattle procurement will also continue without disruption, as the AFG team will accept and divert cattle to other locations.
Later in 2025, AFG will open a new facility in Wright City, Mo.
