Tyson Foods Inc. said in a news release Wednesday the company is soon to begin improvements designed to streamline operations and add jobs at its poultry plant in Shelbyville, Tenn.
Tyson has earmarked $5 million to upgrade the layout of some of the plant's chicken processing, packaging and labeling lines. The project also entails installing new processing equipment, which will require 40 additional production jobs.
"We believe these improvements will make our operations more efficient and add flexibility to our production process," said Wally Taylor, manager of the Shelbyville poultry complex. "This project, along with the $5.6 million upgrade of our wastewater treatment plant last fall, is consistent with our desire to reinvest in our business to ensure it continues operating successfully."
Equipment installation is scheduled to begin this weekend and the whole project is expected to be completed by mid-May. The plant has begun hiring for the new positions and continues to take applications through the Tennessee Career Center.
The Shelbyville poultry complex, which includes a hatchery and feed mill, employs more than 1,400 people and generates an annual payroll of more than $39 million. Additionally, payments to contract growers in Bedford and surrounding counties exceed $24 million per year. The plant produces fresh, tray-packed chicken that is sold to consumers through grocery stores and other retail outlets. The products include de-boned and bone-in chicken, as well as whole birds and marinated specialty products.
Source: Meatingplace
