Tyson Foods Announces Expansion of Tennessee Poultry Operations

Tyson Foods is stacking a few more eggs in its Tennessee basket as it looks to expand operations in the Union City area. The company has announced an $84 million investment in a poultry plant, expected to be completed by mid-2019.

“Customer and consumer demand for protein, especially chicken, is increasing so we’re investing in projects that build on our strengths, expand our capabilities, and increase our capacity,” said Doug Ramsey, Group President of Poultry. “Expansions like this position us to grow and support our customers.”

Overall, about 25,000-square-feet will be added to the existing facility, making room for an estimated 300 more jobs. Set to begin this fall, the project will:

• Increase capacity to the plant’s existing harvest area
• Add processing lines
• Upgrade supporting operations at the hatchery, feed mill, and in transportation

In order to meet the new capacity of the facility, Tyson Foods estimates nearly 200 more broiler chicken houses will need to be built in northwestern Tennessee within the next two years, according to a press release.

Opened in 1997, the facility makes partially fried chicken products for foodservice and employs more than 1,000 people.

“Tyson has been an integral part of Obion County for 20 years, and I’m pleased to see the company move forward with this 300-job expansion in Union City,” Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said. “With more than 1,000 employees in West Tennessee, Tyson’s impact on the community extends to the local farmers supported by its operations. I’d like to thank Tyson for its continued commitment to West Tennessee and bringing us closer to making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs.”

Ramsey thanked the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council for their assistance and support for the project, saying the company is pleased to be able to invest in such a great community.

Tyson Foods also operates facilities in Goodlettsville, Newbern, and Shelbyville, Tennessee, employing about 5,000 in the state with an annual payroll of more than $181 million. The company said that it encourages independent farmers who may want to grow to visit the Grow With Tyson website to learn more about the process and make initial contact.