Tyson Foods is making major improvements to its Vienna, Georgia poultry. The capital improvement project, valued at more than $110 million, will bolster the future of the operation and create more than 500 jobs in Vienna.
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The Vienna plant has been producing chicken for foodservice customers, including restaurant chains, but will convert to supply fresh tray pack chicken to meet the needs of regional retail customers. Work began at the location in mid-January and is scheduled to be completed in mid-2015.
The project will upgrade parts of the plant and add about 100,000 square feet. Improvements will include new equipment and production lines, as well as processes and technology designed to benefit food safety, quality and workplace safety.
In an effort to fully staff the plant when the project is completed, the company will begin reviewing qualified applicants immediately. Those interested in employment are encouraged to visit TysonFoodsCareers.com, and complete an application. Many of the positions will be filled before the project is complete so new workers will have an opportunity for job training.
To assist Tyson Foods with the expansion, the Georgia Department of Economic Development is providing qualified job tax credits for new capital investment. The state also will help with new and existing employee training programs through the Technical College System of Georgia’s Quick Start program to help the company build and maintain its workforce.
Tyson Foods purchased the Vienna plant in 1995. The facility currently employs about 700 people, generating an annual payroll of more than $15.6 million. In addition, the company paid family farmers more than $30 million during its 2014 fiscal year to grow chickens to supply its southern Georgia operations. ■
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