Tyson Foods will shut down its Emporia, Kansas meat processing facility by Feb. 14. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice posted on Monday, 809 employees will be affected by the closure.

The 328,000 square-foot Tyson Fresh Meats facility provided an array of specialty product solutions, including seasoned and marinated proteins and ground beef.

In June, the firm closed its Perry, Iowa pork processing plant, which had a capacity of 9,000 head per day and was strictly a single-shift plant. More than 1,000 workers were employed there.

For Q4, the company posted earnings of 92 cents a share. Chicken accounted for almost 70% of Tyson’s profits in the period, with the rest coming from prepared foods. Beef, the firm’s largest business, posted a $71 million loss. 

Community response

In a joint statement, the City of Emporia, along with Lyon County, the Regional Development Association, Emporia Main Street, Emporia Chamber of Commerce, Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia State University, said their thoughts are with the employees and families affected by this transition.

“Tyson has been a valuable corporate partner over the years, and we are grateful for their contributions to our community. Our collective priority is to support impacted workers. We are collaborating with local organizations, state agencies and workforce development partners to provide resources, job placement assistance, and training opportunities. 

Related:Hormel CEO to retire at fiscal year-end

"While we recognize the challenges this closure presents, Emporia’s economy remains stable and resilient. Community leaders will continue to work with key stakeholders at the local, state and federal level to promote economic growth in Emporia. By working closely with business leaders and stakeholders, we aim to attract and retain strong and diversified industry that will provide growth and prosperity for our residents.”