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Tyson Foods has entered into an agreement to sell its poultry complex in Vienna, Georgia, US, to House of Raeford Farms.

House of Raeford Farms is a leading US poultry producer, providing chicken products to the foodservice, retail and export markets.

Tyson said its decision to sell the complex is part of its continued efforts to optimise its plant network. The meat giant will continue to service customer orders from other production locations.

House of Raeford Farms plans to continue poultry operations at the site, retaining the existing workforce and grower network.

In 2015, Tyson invested over $110 million at the Vienna site, bolstering its operations and creating 500 new jobs. The project upgraded parts of the plant and added 100,000 square feet. Improvements included new equipment and production lines, as well as processes and technology designed to benefit food safety, quality and workplace safety.

This is the latest in a number of divestments and closures from Tyson. In March this year, Tyson permanently closed a pork plant in Perry, Iowa, resulting in the loss of jobs for about 1,200 workers. In November 2023, Tyson closed two of its case-ready meat production facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia, South Carolina, US.

In August last year, the firm announced plans to sell its China poultry business, while it closed four chicken processing facilities in the US, located in Corydon, Indiana, Dexter, Missouri, Noel, Missouri and North Little Rock, Arkansas.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including approval by US regulators – financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

FoodBev has approached Tyson Foods for comment.

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