Tyson making major upgrade to Kentucky poultry plant

Tyson Foods is making major improvements to its poultry plant in Robards, Kentucky. The capital improvement project, valued at $13.5 million, will bolster the future of the operation and is expected to create an additional 66 jobs in Robards.

(Andrea Gantz)
(Andrea Gantz)

Tyson Foods is making major improvements to its poultry plant in Robards, Kentucky. The capital improvement project, valued at $13.5 million, will bolster the future of the operation and is expected to create an additional 66 jobs in Robards.     

“Tyson is once again proving its strong commitment to Kentucky's economy. The jobs created by this investment from one of the most recognized names in protein production, will further strengthen Kentucky’s thriving food and beverage industry,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “We’re proud that Tyson Foods and its employees help feed the world from Robards, Kentucky. We are grateful that the company’s growing presence will continue to support Henderson County’s economy.” 

The Robards plant produces chicken under the Tyson brand for sale to retail customers throughout the region and nationally. The new expansion will allow the company to upgrade its product mix to meet growing consumer demand.

Improvements that are expected to be completed by January 2017 include new freezer equipment and the addition of two production lines, as well as processes and technology designed to benefit food safety, quality and workplace safety. 

To assist Tyson Foods with the expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority is providing tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The state also will help with new and existing employee training programs through the Kentucky Skills Network program to assist the company in building and maintaining its workforce.

“This is an investment in our plant and in our people,” said Noel White, president of poultry for Tyson Foods. “We appreciate doing business in Kentucky and thank the KEDFA for all it has done to make this project possible.”

In an effort to fully staff the plant when the project is completed, the company will begin reviewing qualified applicants immediately.

Tyson Foods acquired the Robards plant in 1998. The facility currently employs about 1,200 people, generating an annual payroll of more than $40 million. In addition, the company paid family farmers more than $31.9 million during its 2015 fiscal year, the most recent full fiscal year figure available, to grow chickens to supply the plant and other area operations. Both Tyson Foods plants that operate in the state are Kentucky Proud certified.

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