Tyson Foods to close plants in Wisconsin and Illinois
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The closings will enable Tyson Foods to use available production capacity at some of its other prepared foods facilities.
Both the pepperoni plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin and the Chicago, Illinois, facility, which makes prepared foods for the hospitality industry, are expected to cease operations during the second half of the company’s fiscal year 2016, which ends October 1, 2016.
The decision will affect approximately 880 people, including about 480 at Chicago and about 400 at Jefferson. It’s important to note that none of Tyson Foods’ other Chicago facilities or offices are affected by this announcement.
The planned closures are due to a combination of factors including changing product needs, the age of both facilities and prohibitive cost of renovations, as well as the distance of the Chicago plant from its raw material supply base.
Affected workers will be encouraged to apply for openings within the company. Tyson Foods intends to work with state officials to ensure employees are informed about unemployment benefits and any potential re-training opportunities. ■