NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Tyson Foods, Inc. officials today announced the food processor will invest $15.5 million to expand its current operations in Goodlettsville and hire and train 157 new workers.
“I want to thank Tyson Foods for investing in our state and creating these high quality jobs for Middle Tennessee,” Haslam said. “When well-established companies like Tyson Foods choose to expand and reinvest in our state, it sends a strong message that Tennessee is one of the best places to do business and supports our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“One of the reasons why Tennessee remains competitive when it comes to job creation is our emphasis on supporting incumbent industries’ sustained growth. Incumbent industry is the lifeblood of Tennessee’s economy,” Hagerty said. “Tyson Foods already employs a significant amount of Tennesseans at its facilities in our state, and I appreciate their continued support and investment.”
Tyson Foods will invest $15.5 million to add four production lines and expand cold storage capabilities at its Tyson Fresh Meats facility at 201 Cartwright Dr. in Goodlettsville. The nation’s second-largest food processor produces case-ready beef and pork products for grocery stores and other retailers at the plant, which already employs roughly 1,600 workers.
“We’re very appreciative to the state of Tennessee and our local partners for their support on this expansion, which will help us build up our capabilities locally,” Jeff Rowen, Goodlettsville complex manager for Tyson Fresh Meats, said. “We are continuing to grow our business and adding these lines will help us better meet the needs of our customers.”
“Having called Goodlettsville home for several years now, it is great to see Tyson’s proven success by this expansion,” Goodlettsville City Manager Tim Ellis said. “They are definitely a cornerstone of our city’s industrial success.”
Work has already begun to install the new equipment. Hiring is expected to begin in June for the newly created production jobs, all of which are full-time. Applications for employment should be filed with a Tennessee Workforce Development office.
Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries employ more than 4,300 Tennesseans at company facilities in Goodlettsville, Shelbyville and Union City. They also support roughly 335 Tennessee farmers who raise chickens for the company’s poultry operations or supply the beef and pork operations with cattle and hogs.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “2013 State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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