Company will invest $13.5M in its Robards operations
Robards, Ky. – December 20, 2016 – As part of an ongoing plan to maximize efficiencies and meet growing demand for its products, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is making major improvements to its Robards, Kentucky poultry plant. The capital improvement project, valued at $13.5 million, will bolster the future of the operation and is expected to create an additional 66 jobs in Robards.
“Tyson is once again proving its strong commitment to Kentucky's economy. The jobs created by this investment from one of the most recognized names in protein production, will further strengthen Kentucky’s thriving food and beverage industry,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “We’re proud that Tyson Foods and its employees help feed the world from Robards, Kentucky. We are grateful that the company’s growing presence will continue to support Henderson County’s economy.”
The Robards plant produces chicken under the Tyson® brand for sale to retail customers throughout the region and nationally. The new expansion will allow the company to upgrade its product mix to meet growing consumer demand.
Improvements that are expected to be complete by January 2017 include new freezer equipment and the addition of two production lines, as well as processes and technology designed to benefit food safety, quality and workplace safety.
To assist Tyson Foods with the expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority is providing tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The state also will help with new and existing employee training programs through the Kentucky Skills Network program to assist the company in building and maintaining its workforce.
“This is an investment in our plant and in our people,” said Noel White, president of poultry for Tyson Foods. “We appreciate doing business in Kentucky and thank the KEDFA for all it has done to make this project possible.”
Tyson Foods acquired the Robards plant in 1998. The facility currently employs about 1,200 people, generating an annual payroll of more than $40 million. In addition, the company paid family farmers more than $31.9 million during its 2015 fiscal year, the most recent full fiscal year figure available, to grow chickens to supply the plant and other area operations. Both Tyson Foods plants that operate in the state are Kentucky Proud certified.
About Tyson Foods Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
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Worth Sparkman, worth.sparkman@tyson.com or 479-290-6358