August 23, 2017

Tyson Foods to expand poultry operations in Tennessee

Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world's largest food companies and a recognised leader in protein, has announced that it will invest $84 million to expand its Union City, Tennessee, poultry plant, which is expected to be completed by mid- 2019.

"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," said Doug Ramsey, group president of poultry. "Expansions like this position us to grow and support our customers."

The company said the project, set to begin this fall, will increase capacity to the plant's existing harvest area, add processing lines, as well as upgrades to supporting operations at the hatchery, feed mill and in transportation. About 25,000 square feet will be added to the plant facility.

"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," Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said. "With more than 1,000 employees in West Tennessee, Tyson's impact on the community extends to the local farmers supported by its operations.

Tyson Foods estimates nearly 200 more broiler chicken houses will need to be built in northwestern Tennessee within the next two years to meet the new capacity of the facility.

The company has encouraged independent farmers who may want to grow for Tyson Foods to visit the Grow with Tyson websiteto learn more about the process and make initial contact with the company.

The Union City plant and related operations were built by Tyson Foods and opened in 1997. It makes partially fried chicken products for food service. Tyson Foods paid Tennessee poultry growers more than $61 million in its 2016 fiscal year and estimates its total statewide impact to be $313 million.