Emporia, Kan. – December 29, 2014 – Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) recently concluded a line expansion at its prepared foods plant in Emporia. The expansion, which cost an estimated $3 million, created an additional line that will make a product for a national foodservice customer. About 16 jobs were created as a result of the project.

“We welcome this investment by Tyson Foods,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “In addition to creating jobs, this expansion solidifies the important role Kansas plays in providing food to the nation. I congratulate Tyson on this business expansion.”

The project consisted of building a new room to house the line, modifications to existing refrigeration and the installation of equipment. The Emporia plant is one of Tyson Foods’ specialty meat plants; it produces value-added raw cuts of beef, pork and chicken for food service and retail – both branded and private label.

To assist Tyson Foods with expansion in the state, the Kansas Department of Commerce helped provide qualified tax credits for new capital investment and training credits to help the company build and maintain its workforce.

“We’re glad we can make products to meet our customer’s needs,” said Mike Fiehler, complex manager. “Any time we invest in our facility, it’s an investment in Kansas and Emporia. We want to thank the Kansas Department of Commerce for all they did to help make the expansion project possible.” 

IBP, inc., which was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2001, purchased the Emporia plant from Armour & Co. in 1967. After extensive renovations, it started up in May 1969. The plant was converted into a specialty meats facility in 2008 and today about 950 people work there. Payroll for fiscal 2013, the most recent full year available, was more than $31.5 million.

“We’re pleased to be part of this community and fortunate to have such a great workforce to support our plant operations,” Fiehler said.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest producers of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods that include leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. Tyson Foods provides a wide variety of protein-based and prepared foods products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, supplying customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 124,000 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.

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Media Contact: Worth Sparkman, Tyson Foods, worth.sparkman@tyson.com or 479-290-6358