Tyson Will Expand and Upgrade Amarillo Plant
Tyson Foods says it will invest $200 million to expand and upgrade its Amarillo, Tex., beef plant.
The company said the project will include additions to the existing beef complex, but also upgrades to team member well-being areas such as locker rooms, cafeteria and office space. Construction on the 143,000 square foot addition is scheduled to begin this fall with completion by 2024.
The project is not expected to add jobs to the facility, but Tyson says the Amarillo plant employs 4,000 workers with an annual payroll of $180 million. The Amarillo plant has a daily slaughter capacity of about 6,000 head, making it one of Tyson’s largest.
The announcement comes just a week after a new, 3,000-head per day plant was announced by Producer Owned Beef, LLC, a start-up company with ranchers and cattle feeders as owners.
“It’s exciting to see the economic growth in Potter County,” said Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner. “Amarillo continues to be a place where existing businesses are able to thrive and expand, and we are seeing that with Tyson Foods’ commitment.”
The Tyson expansion modernizes the facility and prioritizes team member safety, ergonomics and food safety, and incorporates enhanced automation and new technologies, the company said. The new space also supports several of the company's sustainability efforts through energy and water conservation improvements. Specially designed water utility equipment, pumps, and piping will automate and allow for a reduction in water usage.
“We’re committed to be the most sought-after place to work and while we’ve invested heavily in new benefits for our team, this project will improve the onsite work experience for our team members, while making our operations more efficient,” said Shane Miller, Group President, Tyson Foods Fresh Meats.
Tyson Foods’ beef business currently operates beef plants in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Washington. The company said it receives cattle from close to 90 independent cattle suppliers in Texas and it’s estimated Tyson Foods’ operations have a total economic impact of nearly $3 billion in Texas.
