Tyson Foods Adds Production Line, Jobs With $3M Project in Kansas

Tyson Foods Inc. announced Monday that it has completed a $3 million line expansion at its prepared foods plant in Emporia, Kansas.

The additional line will make a product for a national foodservice customer, according to a Tyson news release. The project created about 16 jobs.

 “We welcome this investment by Tyson Foods,”  Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said in the release. “In addition to creating jobs, this expansion solidifies the important role Kansas plays in providing food to the nation. I congratulate Tyson on this business expansion.”

The project consisted of building a new room to house the line, modifications to existing refrigeration and the installation of equipment. The Emporia plant is one of Tyson Foods’ specialty meat plants; it produces value-added raw cuts of beef, pork and chicken for food service and retail, both branded and private label.

To assist Tyson Foods with expansion in the state, the Kansas Department of Commerce helped provide qualified tax credits for new capital investment and training credits to help the company build and maintain its workforce.

IBP Inc., which was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2001, purchased the Emporia plant from Armour & Co. in 1967. After extensive renovations, it started up in May 1969. The plant was converted into a specialty meats facility in 2008 and today about 950 people work there.

Payroll for fiscal 2013, the most recent full year available, was more than $31.5 million.