Council Bluffs Facility Expansion Announced by Tyson Fresh Meats
On September 27, 2016, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., a fully owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), announced a $27 million investment to increase the production capacity of its case-ready beef and pork facility in the city. The expansion project will involve a 55,000 sq. foot extension to accommodate new production lines and warehouse space, enhancing the plant's ability to produce fresh ground beef, beef and pork cuts, and ready-to-distribute meal kits for retail grocers. The expansion, which is currently in progress, is set to be completed by July 2017 and is projected to create 350 new jobs, increasing the total workforce at the plant to over 1,400. Bob Mundt, the President and CEO of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement, stating that Tyson Fresh Meats is not only one of the largest employers in the region but also a significant contributor to the local economy. He expressed anticipation for the job opportunities that the expansion would bring. Tyson Foods operates three local plants in the area, including a pepperoni plant in Council Bluffs and a bacon plant in Omaha, employing around 2,000 residents in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Steve Friedrichsen, the complex manager of the Council Bluffs case-ready plant, expressed excitement about the project, stating that it would not only create more jobs but also meet the increasing demand for case-ready products. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Council Bluffs community. In 2015, the Council Bluffs case-ready plant generated an annual payroll of $37 million. Tyson Foods, Inc., headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies, boasting leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, and State Fair®. The company, founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, is a recognized market leader in chicken, beef, and pork, as well as prepared foods. Tyson Foods supplies retail and foodservice customers across the United States and in approximately 130 countries worldwide. For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Ahn at caroline.ahn@tyson.com or 312-614-6047.