Tyson Foods’ North Little Rock plant celebrates half-century of operation

As Tyson Foods marks 83 years of doing business in Arkansas, its North Little Rock chicken processing plant celebrates 50 years of continuous operation.

“The North Little Rock plant has played a key role in the history and success of our company,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods’ board of directors. “Our purchase of the plant in 1969 marked the start of our production of further-processed chicken, which became the cornerstone of our poultry business. It also enabled us to enter the food service business. I’m proud of our North Little Rock team members and the work they continue to do today to serve our customers.”

The plant originally opened as part of Prospect Farms in April 1968 and Tyson Foods acquired the business a year later. The 76,000-square-foot facility employs 200, and 34 of them have logged more than 20 years of service with Tyson Foods, the company said.

The plant specializes in food service products like wings, tenders and portioned breast fillets for national restaurant chains. It also processes livers and gizzards, raw and breaded, which are sold into the restaurant industry. Tyson Foods said most of the chicken processed at this plant is grown under contract with Arkansas farmers.

“Our focus on quality food, innovation and, of course, team member safety makes this plant an important link in the total Tyson Foods network,” said Kemal Beach, vice president of value-added operations.

Tyson Foods operates facilities in 20 Arkansas communities, employing more than 23,000 workers in the state with an annual payroll of more than $1.3 billion. The company said it makes annual payments in excess of $260 million to family farmers who contract to grow the broiler chickens and laying hens. The company estimates its statewide annual impact, including grain purchases, utilities, property taxes and charitable contributions, totals more than $1.9 billion.