RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- While still early in the process, it appears the Rapid City area is due for a one-million square foot, 1.1 billion dollar meatpacking plant.

The plant, to be operated by Kingsbury and Associates and Sirius Realty, will also be partnering with Farmers Union Industries on on-site byproduct processing.

Megan Kingsbury, president and CEO of Kingsbury and Associates, said this investment represents a jab at the so-called “Big Four” of the meatpacking industry.

Kingsbury addressed the skepticism of the meatpacking industry present in producer circles.

Kingsbury says there seems to be a sea change in the meatpacking landscape.

As of right now, the project is in the research and development phase, and Kingsbury estimates 2500 jobs could be created for the Rapid City area with this plant.