ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) -- Cattle expert Temple Grandin says that a new beef-packing plant in Aberdeen, S.D., is off to a good start.

Officials with Northern Beef Packers say Grandin toured the facility Friday and says she's pleased it was designed with the cattle's comfort in mind.

Grandin gained national fame when she was portrayed by Claire Danes in an award-winning HBO movie titled "Temple Grandin." The movie shows how Grandin struggled growing up with autism and how the condition helped her create more humane ways to slaughter livestock. Her designs are used in facilities worldwide.

The opening of Northern Beef Packers had been delayed for years by financial problems, lawsuits, flooding and complaints about its wastewater. The $109 million plant will process 1,500 cattle per day from the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota.

Copyright 2012 The AP.