A decision to restructure its beef operations has prompted Tyson Foods to abruptly close an Illinois facility, affecting about 2,500 workers in the Quad Cities area.
Citing “one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced,” Tyson Foods announced Thursday that it was permanently closing its beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, and its case-ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah. The company also announced plans to sell its beef processing facility in Pasco, Washington.
Tyson plans to focus its U.S. beef production around three facilities: Dakota City, Nebraska, Holcomb, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas. A Tyson spokesperson said the changes to beef operations are part of a strategic effort to position the company for long-term success.
“Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and communities,” the spokesperson said. “The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities.”
WQAD reported that workers received notice of the Joslin plant closure when they arrived for their shifts on Thursday. Affected employees will continue receiving pay through Oct. 12.
Illinois State Rep. Ryan Spain released a statement describing the sudden closure as “devastating” to workers and their families, as well as to communities in the Quad Cities area. He said he has urged Tyson to work with state agencies to analyze repurposing the Joslin facility to preserve job opportunities.
“Tyson Foods must honor its commitment to supporting the impacted employees through this transition, providing them with necessary resources and assistance to navigate this difficult situation,” Spain said. “Local officials and community leaders are united in urging state agencies to assist with worker transition and support services, as well as facilitating avenues for economic revitalization for this impacted regional economy.”
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ‘Devastating’: Tyson plant closure leads to 2,500 job losses in Illinois
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
