Tyson Foods announced they will close their plant processing poultry in Buena Vista, Georgia, and end the third work shift at the Dawson plant.
According to the company, the plant closure is part of a strategy to increase efficiency in their poultry business in that state. Tyson stated the changing needs of the product, the age of the installation and renovation prohibitive costs were the factors that led to the closure of the plant.
Similarly, they reported that 190 Buena Vista employees and 70 others in the Dawson facility, closing its third shift as of April 10, will be affected by these measures.
“Because these changes affect our employees and their families, this was a very difficult decision,” said Noel White, president of Tyson Foods’ Poultry division. “Our business needs have changed in southern Georgia, so after a lot of consideration, we have decided to take these steps in order to better serve our customers.”
Tyson said the company will work with state officials to inform employees about unemployment benefits and potential opportunities for retraining.
Meanwhile, the expansion of Tyson’s facilities in Vienna, Ga., Is ongoing. The company is changing the focus of plant production for packing trays of chicken after an investment of 110 million dollars. Tyson stated the proposed expansion and conversion will add more than 700 jobs when completed by mid-year.