UPDATE 1-Smithfield meat plant damaged extensively by fire
(Updates with statement from Smithfield)
CHICAGO, July 6 (Reuters) - Smithfield Foods Inc (SFD.N) said on Monday that its Patrick Cudahy meat packing plant in Wisconsin was extensively damaged by a fire but employees at the facility managed to escape unhurt.
The fire broke out on Sunday night at the facility located about seven miles (11 kilometres) south of Milwaukee and was brought under control on Monday morning by dozens of firefighters.
People living within a one-mile (1.6 km) area of the plant were asked to evacuate their homes because of low levels of ammonia seeping into the air.
Patrick Cudahy specializes in branded packaged meats, including bacon, dry sausage, ham and sliced meats.
One of its most popular brands is the Sweet Apple-Wood Smoke Flavor bacon.
The company was founded in 1888 by Irish immigrant Patrick Cudahy, and the family-owned company was bought by Smithfield Foods in 1984.
The plant employs about 1,900 workers and is among the top three U.S. producers of precooked bacon.
Smithfield, the world's largest pork processor and hog producers, said in a statement the company's other facilities would be able to make up any product shortfalls in short order, minimizing any disruption to its customers. (Reporting by K.T. Arasu; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
