Tyson shutters local plant, transfers workers

Tyson Foods announced Friday (Mar.1) plans to close a small processing facility in Springdale as it continues to find ways to increase operational efficiencies.

The 68 hourly workers were notified this week and have been offered jobs at other Tyson Foods locations in Northwest Arkansas, according to an email statement from spokesman Gary Mickelson.

“Due to changing demand for certain specialty products, we’ve suspended operations at our small processing plant on Ford Avenue in Springdale. The plant has been operating for more than 15 years and once served as Tyson’s research and development pilot plant,” Mickelson said.

He added that most of the products made at the plant have been relocated to other facilities or consolidated to better meet the needs of Tyson customers.

The meat giant has not yet decided what it will do with the building.