Company will invest more than $28 million in its Tarboro operations
Springdale, Ark. – January 20, 2015 – A subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), The Hillshire Brands Company, is making major improvements to its Tarboro, North Carolina bakery plant as part of an ongoing plan to meet growing demand for its products and maximize efficiencies. The capital improvement project, valued at more than $28 million, will create nearly 100 jobs.
“Hillshire Brands is among the nation’s most prominent names in consumer foods and a perfect fit for our state’s value-added food and beverage industry,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “I extend my congratulations to the company as it enjoys continued growth, which in turn is leading to significant job creation for Edgecombe County.”
The plant produces croissants, biscuits, layer cakes, sheet cakes, muffins, pound cakes and cobblers. In addition to expanding capacity to produce more of these baked goods, the project will add lines for gluten-free and non-GMO waffles produced for retail customers.
“We’re glad to invest in our Tarboro plant, which will mean more jobs for the city,” said Wes Morris, president of prepared foods for Tyson Foods. “The existing infrastructure, location and availability of a qualified workforce make the plant ideal for this expansion project.”
To assist Tyson Foods with the expansion, the North Carolina Department of Commerce is providing a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, Edgecombe County and the town of Tarboro. The One North Carolina Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds.
“We’re grateful to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and everything it has done to make this project possible,” Morris said. “We appreciate doing business in North Carolina and are glad to invest there.”
In an effort to fully staff the plant when the project is completed, the company will begin reviewing qualified applicants immediately. Those interested in employment are encouraged to visit TysonFoodsCareers.com, and complete an application. Many of the positions will be filled before the project is complete so new workers will have an opportunity for job training.
The Tarboro plant opened in 2000 as part of the Sara Lee Corporation, which became The Hillshire Brands Company in 2011. Hillshire Brands was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2014. The facility currently employs nearly 700 people, with an annual payroll of more than $22.3 million.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods 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. The company currently has approximately 113,000 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, worth.sparkman@tyson.com or 479-290-6358