DELL RAPIDS, S.D. – A new chapter is beginning for a well-known South Dakota family business. Schmitz Custom Meats, LLC has officially broken ground on a nearly $2.5 million facility in Dell Rapids, a project that leaders say will strengthen the region’s agricultural economy while offering fresh opportunities for growth and job creation.

The new 6,000-square-foot building is being constructed at the northwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Quartzite Street, within the Fiegen Industrial Park. When complete in the spring of 2026, it will house cutting-edge meat processing equipment as well as a retail storefront designed for local customers. According to the company, the expansion will initially create five to six jobs and is expected to grow as demand increases.

At Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Steven and Theresa Schmitz, along with their two children, joined community leaders in celebrating the milestone with golden shovels in hand.

“This facility will allow us to lean on the agricultural roots of our state by working with local farmers and producers while contributing to the area we call home,” said owner-operator Steven Schmitz.

The Schmitz family has built its reputation on providing quality, locally sourced meats. The expansion represents more than just a business move — it is a reinvestment in South Dakota’s farming community. By expanding their processing capacity, Schmitz Custom Meats will help local ranchers and livestock producers bring their products to market more efficiently, while also giving residents more access to fresh, locally raised meat products.

The groundbreaking brought together representatives from across the community, including Cosand Construction, the Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation (DREDC), the South Dakota Development Corporation, and Mayor Marsha Symens. Their presence underscored the project’s significance not only as a business expansion but as a community-driven success.

The land on which the new facility will be built also carries history. It was formerly owned by Dell Rapids Lumber, a longtime presence in the area. Doug Hainje, Dell Rapids Lumber’s manager and past-president of the DREDC, reflected on the site’s new role in the community’s economic life. “We’re proud to see this project take shape and look forward to their grand opening next year,” Hainje said.

Community and economic development leaders stressed that projects like this align with Dell Rapids’ broader goals of attracting new investment, supporting local entrepreneurs, and maintaining its deep ties to agriculture. Tarrah Burggraff of the DREDC noted that the expansion will serve as a model for how family-owned businesses can grow while continuing to support their community.

Beyond job creation, the new facility is expected to provide Dell Rapids residents with a modern retail experience, expanded product options, and the ability to purchase locally processed meats directly from the source. For farmers, the facility creates a stronger link between producers and consumers, ensuring that South Dakota’s agricultural products remain both accessible and sustainable.

The Schmitz family emphasized that their goal goes beyond building a business — they see the project as an investment in Dell Rapids’ future. With a spring 2026 opening planned, anticipation is already building for the grand opening, which community leaders expect to be a major local event.

As Steven Schmitz highlighted during the groundbreaking, the company’s mission is rooted in the traditions of South Dakota agriculture while looking forward to the opportunities of tomorrow.

Originally reported by Asher Deinken in Yahoo News.