Tyson Foods on Thursday announced it has opened a $425 million processing facility in Humboldt, Tennessee. The complex includes a processing plant, feed mill, and hatchery.
The plant is expected to focus production on tray pack fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide beginning in late April. Several hundred workers have been hired so far and are being trained for the start of production later this month, according to Tyson Foods’ press release. The processing plant is expected to employ more than 1,500 team members, while the feed mill and hatchery will employ roughly 60 team members combined. The feed mill will supply feed for approximately 56 local farmers and will produce 14,000 tons of finished feed a week at full capacity.
“We’re pleased to add to the growth in Gibson County with the opening of our new 370,000 square foot processing facility,” Tyson Foods president and CEO Dean Banks said. “We appreciate the support of all those who played a role in making this facility possible – the local community, county, state and our Humboldt team members, who safely and responsibly produce high-quality protein daily to help feed our nation and the world.”
“Tyson Foods started as a small family poultry business more than 85 years ago, and today we are a recognized leader in protein,” Tyson Foods chief sustainability officer John R. Tyson said. “We are incredibly proud to make western Tennessee the home of our first new poultry facility in 25 years and look forward to being part of the community and supporting the local economy.”
“The demand for Tyson chicken products continues to grow and this plant will help us meet the needs of our customers and consumers,” Tyson Foods chief operating officer and group president, poultry, Donnie King said. “We’re excited to start this new chapter with the people of western Tennessee who have been extremely supportive of the project since day one.”
“With five facilities across Tennessee, Tyson Foods has an enormous impact on our state’s agriculture industry and rural communities,” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said. “Job creation is crucial to our continued economic success, and I thank Tyson for its investment and commitment to Humboldt and West Tennessee.”
