Tyson Foods has announced plans to close two Prepared Foods facilities in Philadelphia, a decision that will affect 229 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) letter filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
The affected sites include the Original Philly Cooked Plant and the Original Philly Raw Plant, both scheduled to shut down on January 31, 2025. These closures mark another step in Tyson Foods’ broader effort to streamline its operations in the food processing industry.
Company Statement
A Tyson Foods spokesperson explained the rationale behind the closures in a statement:
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our two Prepared Foods facilities in Philadelphia to increase the efficiency of our operations. We understand the impact the decision has on our team members and the local community. Taking care of our team members is our top priority, and we encourage them to apply for other open roles within the company. We are also working closely with state and local officials to provide additional resources to those who are impacted.”
The company emphasized that no additional closures are currently planned.
Context and Broader Restructuring
The closures in Philadelphia follow Tyson Foods’ announcement of the impending shutdown of its beef and pork non-harvest processing facility in Emporia, Kansas, slated for February 2025. The Kansas closure will impact 809 employees and underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to consolidate operations.
These measures align with Tyson Foods’ strategy to optimize efficiency and adjust to market demands. However, the decision has sparked concerns about its impact on employees and local economies in the affected regions.
Support for Employees
Tyson Foods has committed to assisting affected workers through this transition. The company is encouraging employees to explore other opportunities within Tyson’s operations and is coordinating with state and local agencies to provide additional resources.
Related Coverage
For more information on Tyson Foods’ closure of its Kansas facility, click here.
