Tyson Foods has officially inaugurated its new poultry complex in Humboldt, Tennessee, following a total investment of $425 million.
The site consists of a processing plant, feed mill and hatchery, and represents Tyson Foods’ biggest investment in Tennessee.
The company initially announced a $300 million investment in building the new site back in 2017, with plans to begin operations in 2019. In the same year, Tyson Foods announced an $84 million expansion of its poultry plant in Union City, Tennessee, adding more than 200 jobs.
Located within the Gibson County Industrial Park, the plant will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide.
According to Tyson Foods, several hundred workers have been hired so far and production will commence later this month. By 2023, the processing plant is expected to employ more than 1,500 team members.
“We’re pleased to add to the growth in Gibson County with the opening of our new 370,000 square foot processing facility,” said Dean Banks, president and CEO, Tyson Foods.
Donnie King, chief operating officer and group president of poultry for Tyson Foods, said: “The demand for Tyson chicken products continues to grow and this plant will help us meet the needs of our customers and consumers.”
Meanwhile, the company’s new feed mill will employ 30 staff members and supply feed to approximately 56 local poultry farmers, producing 14,000 tons a week at full capacity. The Humboldt hatchery also employees 30 people and provides chicks for local poultry farmers who supply broiler chickens to Tyson Foods.
“We are incredibly proud to make western Tennessee the home of our first new poultry facility in 25 years and look forward to being part of the community and supporting the local economy,” said John R. Tyson, chief sustainability officer and member of the Tyson Family.
The company currently operates five facilities in the state, employing around 5,000 people.
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