Triumph Foods has made a name for itself. Not only in St. Joseph, but in places like China, Russia and Japan.

Triumph and its marketing partner, Seaboard Foods, are responsible for 10 percent of the United States’ world pork exports, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The total includes more than 30 percent of the country’s exports to Mexico and more than 20 percent of the fresh chilled products sent to Japan. In all, Triumph saw a 43 percent increase in exports through the first half of 2008.

Strong export sales have fueled $15 million worth of expansions at the plant in St. Joseph. Expanded equilibration bays and new CO2 stunning allow for more efficient processing in the plant, while a new freezer facility improves Triumph’s ability to store product.

Another move could come as soon as this year. The company is pursuing an expansion worth about $4 million that would allow it to produce sliced pork bellies and diced pork, both in high demand in Asia.

The expansion would add about 10,000 square feet on the northwest corner of Triumph’s plant, chief administrative officer Patt Lilly said. Construction has yet to begin, but Mr. Lilly expects the project to be complete by the end of 2008.

“With the expansion and new investment comes new jobs,” Mr. Lilly said. “Triumph Foods has added over 200 jobs in the past year as we continue to expand processing capacity.”

The company employs about 2,500 workers and slaughters 18,000 to 19,000 hogs per day.

Clinton Thomas can be reached

at clintonthomas@npgco.com.