Tyson Foods to invest $84m to expand Tennessee poultry plant

Tyson Foods has plans to invest $84m to expand its poultry plant in Union City, Tennessee, US.

The expansion will add 25,000ft² of space to the existing facility and create more than 300 jobs.

This project will increase the capacity of the plant’s existing harvest area and add processing lines.

Tyson also plans to upgrade transportation and its supporting operations at the hatchery and feed mill. The expansion is expected to begin later this year and slated for completion by mid-2019.

Tyson Group poultry president Doug Ramsey said: “Customer and consumer demand for protein, especially chicken, is increasing so we’re investing in projects that build on our strengths, expand our capabilities and increase our capacity.

“Expansions like this position us to grow and support our customers.”

According to Tyson Foods estimates, nearly 200 more broiler chicken houses will have to be built in northwestern Tennessee within the next two years to meet the new facility capacity. The company is also encouraging independent farmers to join its Grow With Tyson programme.

Tennessee governor Bill Haslam said: “Tyson has been an integral part of Obion County for 20 years and I’m pleased to see the company move forward with this 300-job expansion in Union City.

“With more than 1,000 employees in West Tennessee, Tyson’s impact on the community extends to the local farmers supported by its operations. I’d like to thank Tyson for its continued commitment to West Tennessee and bringing us closer to making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs.”

Tyson’s Union City facility employs more than 1,000 people and is engaged in the manufacture of partially fried chicken products for the food service industry.

In addition to the Union City plant, Tyson Foods operates three more facilities in Tennessee.