Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, has been making moves to optimize and streamline operations by closing some of its chicken processing plants across the United States. This article provides an overview of the Tyson chicken plants that have closed or are slated to close in the near future.
Tyson Chicken Plant Closures in 2023
Tyson Foods announced in August 2023 that it would be closing three more chicken plants before the end of the year These closures are in addition to one other chicken plant that was closed earlier in 2023.
The chicken plants closing are
- Chicken processing plant in Virginia (closed March 2023)
- Chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri (slated to close by October 2023)
- Chicken plant in Crawfordsville, Arkansas (slated to close by October 2023)
- Chicken plant in Eagle Mountain, Utah (slated to close by December 2023)
The Virginia chicken plant employed around 650 workers, while the other three plants slated for closure employ between 300-500 workers each.
Earlier Tyson Chicken Plant Closures
Before the recent announcement of closures in 2023, Tyson had closed or slated for closure 6 other chicken plants since 2021:
- Chicken plant in Wilson, North Carolina (closed November 2021)
- Chicken plant in Douglas, Georgia (closed February 2022)
- Chicken plant in Dardanelle, Arkansas (closed March 2022)
- Chicken plant in Monett, Missouri (closed June 2022)
- Chicken plant in Bossier City, Louisiana (closed July 2022)
- Chicken plant in Robards, Kentucky (slated to close by October 2022)
The Wilson plant employed around 400 workers, while the Douglas, Dardanelle, Monett, Bossier City, and Robards plants each employed 300-500 workers.
Reasons for Closures
According to Tyson, the chicken plant closures are part of an effort to optimize its production footprint and focus on more efficient operations. Specifically, the company aims to better utilize processing capacity at its remaining chicken plants.
Industry experts note the closures likely also reflect Tyson adapting to changing market conditions as chicken demand has softened over the past couple years. Operational challenges and input cost inflation also played a role in the decision making.
Impact on Workers and Communities
The closure of Tyson chicken plants can significantly impact local workers and communities. For example, the Virginia plant closure affected around 650 workers who were offered transfers to other Tyson facilities.
However, workers at closing plants may face difficult choices – whether to accept a transfer or look for new employment. Communities also suffer the loss of jobs and economic activity when plants close.
Tyson states it works to minimize impacts by offering transfers, job fairs, and resources to affected team members at closing facilities. But plant closures inevitably cause disruption, especially in smaller rural towns where Tyson is a major employer.
Outlook for Tyson’s Chicken Business
The chicken plant closures indicate Tyson is rightsizing capacity to stabilize margins in its chicken segment. However, Tyson remains the largest chicken processor in the US, processing over 35 million birds per week.
After weathering operational challenges in its chicken business in 2021 and 2022, Tyson aims to run a more optimized and efficient chicken production system focused on the highest margin products. Further plant closures cannot be ruled out if market conditions dictate.
Original Philly cooked plant and Original Philly raw plant permanently close Jan. 31, 202 By
Tyson Foods Inc. recently announced the February 2025 closure of its Emporia, Kan., pork and beef nonharvest processing facility. Now, Tyson is announcing closure of two more plants.
According to a Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act notice, Tyson is closing two facilities in Philadelphia, Pa., subsequently affecting 229 jobs. The plants, Original Philly cooked plant and Original Philly raw plant, will permanently close Jan. 31, 2025.
Tyson Food acquired the two plants in 2017 as part of its acquisition of Original Philly Holdings.
This news follows Tysons closure of multiple processing plants, all in an attempt to cut costs and boost operational efficiency.
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During the reception on July 25, the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will explore the industry’s recent advancements and provide insight into what they believe will propel the meat and poultry industries forward. The National Provisioner commemorates these leaders with our industry’s highest honor.
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Tyson Closing Chicken Plants Are You Affected?
FAQ
What plants are Tyson shutting down?
Is Tyson shutting down chicken farms?
Chicken Business. Tyson Foods has been closing plants, sometimes driving chicken farmers out of business. Some farmers allege that the company put their life’s work in jeopardy in order to raise the price of chicken.
Why is Tyson leaving Emporia?
Ernesto Sanchez, vice president of beef and pork operations for Tyson Foods, sent a letter to Emporia officials indicating the decision was part of “the company’s business strategy to operate more efficiently.”
Why are poultry plants closing?
Crumbling Margins for Pork and Poultry Producers
Whether it’s poultry or pork, economists say the decisions are being driven by economics today. “If you look at recent USDA data, it would suggest margins to broiler production have fallen 60% from July of 2022, to July of 2023,” says Brown.