Tyson Foods last week announced plans to spend $13.5 million to upgrade and expand its poultry plant in western Kentucky.
The Robards plant will add two production lines, along with new freezer equipment and additional processes and technology, the Arkansas meat giant said in a statement. The facility, which was acquired in 1998, currently produces Tyson brand chicken for retail customers, and the expansion will upgrade its product mix.
“This is an investment in our plant and in our people,” said Tyson poultry president Noel White.
The improvements are expected to be completed by January, and the company said that it will immediately begin interviewing applicants to fully staff the plant at that point. The project is expected to generate 66 new jobs. About 1,200 currently work at the facility.
Tyson will receive tax incentives from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority to help finance the project, and the state will also provide employee training programs.
"The jobs created by this investment from one of the most recognized names in protein production will further strengthen Kentucky’s thriving food and beverage industry,” Gov. Matt Bevin said in the statement.
