Tyson Foods has announced the closure of its beef and pork non-harvest processing facility in Emporia, Kansas, in a move aimed at streamlining operations. The closure, which was disclosed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) letter, will affect 809 employees and is scheduled for February 14, 2025.
In a statement, Tyson Foods explained the decision:
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our beef and pork non-harvest processing facility in Emporia, Kansas, to increase the efficiency of our operations. We understand the impact of this decision on our team members and the local community.”
Operations to Consolidate in Holcomb
As part of a broader optimization strategy, Tyson plans to transfer all operations from Emporia to its facility in Holcomb, near Garden City. This move aligns with the company’s efforts to consolidate and improve operational efficiency across its network.
Support for Impacted Employees
Tyson Foods has pledged to work closely with state and local officials to assist employees affected by the closure. The company will provide resources and support to ease the transition for its workforce.
Tyson continues to employ over 5,000 workers across its other Kansas facilities, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to the state’s agricultural sector despite the consolidation.
Industry and Community Impact
The closure underscores the challenges facing meat processors as they navigate fluctuating market conditions, labor constraints, and cost pressures. For the Emporia community, the loss of jobs is a significant blow, but Tyson’s promise of support aims to mitigate the impact.
Stay connected with Swine Web for updates on this story and insights into how it affects the broader meat processing industry.
