Tyson Foods has started the construction of a $300 million poultry processing plant in Humboldt, Tennesee.
Tyson estimates that the new plant will be operational by late 2019, and will create approximately 1,500 jobs once the facility begins operations.
The plant will produce pre-packaged trays of chicken for retailers nationwide in the US, and is expected to process 1.25 million birds every week at full capacity.
Doug Ramsey, group president of poultry at Tyson Foods said: “Today marks another important step in our journey with the people of Humboldt and Gibson County.
“We’re excited to roll up our sleeves, get to work and continue the successful working relationship we’ve had with the state of Tennessee for more than four decades.”
Kingsley Brock, Gibson County’s director of economic development added: “This day represents the culmination of 20 years of vision, hard work and dedication by many leaders and citizens of Gibson County.
“Tyson Foods is a world-class company with world-class team members, and Gibson County and Humboldt will be home to the world’s most advanced, high-tech poultry processing plant.
“The company’s capital investment and job creation will forever change the landscape of Humboldt and Gibson County and create tremendous opportunity for our all our citizens, and I could not be happier for all of Gibson County.”
Tyson Foods recently strengthened its position in the poultry sector by acquiring Tecumseh Poultry, the owner of air-chilled organic chicken brand Smart Chicken, for an undisclosed sum.