Tyson Foods on Friday announced it is closing its Lexington, Neb., beef-processing facility and is downsizing its operation in Amarillo, Texas. Photo by Juan Manuel Blanco/EPA-EFE
Nov. 22 (UPI) — Tyson Foods is closing its Lexington, Neb., beef-processing plant to better position the food company for long-term success.
Tyson announced the change on Friday and said the plan is to “right size” the food firm’s beef business.
The company also is downsizing its beef facility in Amarillo, Texas, to a single shift that will operate at full capacity, but production will rise at other Tyson facilities to meet customer demand for beef products.
“Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate,” Tyson said in a news release.
“The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits.”
Tyson officials said the changes will ensure it continues to “deliver high-quality, affordable and nutritious protein for generations to come.”
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement that the Tyson Foods’ Lexington plant closure does not reflect poorly on the state and won’t end Tyson’s investment there.
“Nebraska’s cattle industry is resilient and the envy of the world, and our workforce can outwork anybody,” Pillen said.
“Our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned reorganization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants.”
He said Tyson officials have promised to provide new opportunities for Nebraskans.
“The state of Nebraska is ready to build for the future and do what it can do to support employees affected by this change,” Pillen added.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., wasn’t as optimistic about the change.
“As the single-largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region and our state,” Fischer said in a social media post, as reported by Nebraska Public Media.
Lexington has a population of nearly 11,000 and is located 165 miles west of Lincoln.
