Tyson to Shut Kansas Plant as US Beef Shortage Erodes Profit
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Tyson Foods will shut a meat plant in Kansas next year, eliminating 809 jobs, as the company seeks to slash costs amid a downturn in the beef industry.
The suspension of operations in Emporia is expected to be complete by Feb. 14, the company said in a letter to the Kansas Department of Commerce, citing a push to “operate more efficiently.” Activities at its laboratory in the same town also will be halted.
Tyson ranks No. 9 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America.
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The move adds to a series of plant shutdowns by Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods since last year as part of a broader turnaround effort. While profits at its chicken business have rebounded this year, the company’s beef operation — its largest — remains under pressure because of a severe shortage of cattle in the U.S.
The Emporia facility provides seasoned and marinated proteins and ground beef, according to Tyson’s website. Cattle-slaughtering operations at the plant had been halted in 2008 due to excess capacity in the industry.
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A company spokesperson said Tyson Foods is working with state and local officials to provide resources to those impacted.
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