Tyson Foods to re-open Kansas beef plant in December

Springdale-based Tyson Foods said it will resume harvest operations at its Holcomb, Kan., beef complex the first week of December, with intentions to become fully operational by Jan. 1.

The large beef slaughter and packing facility went offline following an Aug. 9 fire that destroyed a large portion of the facility. Tyson Foods said the reconstruction is near completion. It included replacing support beams and the roof, as well as replacing hydraulic piping and pumps and installing more than 50,000 feet of new wiring with a build-out of new electrical panel rooms and equipment.

“We recognize the disruption the fire caused for our suppliers and our customers and are more than pleased to announce we are in the final stages of reconstruction,” said Steve Stouffer, group president, Tyson Fresh Meats. “Our team is ready to begin the process of ramping back up, recognizing that there will be testing and adjustments over the first few weeks to ensure equipment functionality while maintaining our commitment to team member safety and food safety.”

Tyson Foods said since the fire it has been diverting cattle to other facilities to try to offset some of the production losses and mitigate the disruption to the cattle industry, customers and employees. Tyson Foods has continued to pay active, full-time employees for 40 hours a week during the shutdown. Tyson said employees have been instrumental in helping with cleanup and the reconstruction process.

Tyson Foods said during its recent earnings call the fire resulted in a $31 million charge in the quarter. Additional charges could take place in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.