North Little Rock, Ark. — April 25, 2018 — As Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) marks 83 years of doing business in Arkansas, its North Little Rock plant location celebrates 50 years of continuous operation.
“The North Little Rock plant has played a key role in the history and success of our company,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods’ Board of Directors. “Our purchase of the plant in 1969 marked the start of our production of further-processed chicken, which became the cornerstone of our poultry business. It also enabled us to enter the food service business. I’m proud of our North Little Rock team members and the work they continue to do today to serve our customers.”
The 76,000-square foot facility began operation in April 1968 as part of Prospect Farms, Inc. of North Little Rock specializing in food service products. Tyson Foods acquired Prospect Farms in 1969 and has operated the plant since.
Products made at the location now include wings, tenders and portioned fillets for national food service customers, as well as raw and breaded livers, gizzards, tenders and wings for national retail customers. Much of the chicken processed at the plant is grown in Arkansas by farmers who contract with Tyson Foods.
Two hundred team members work at the plant. Of those, 34 have 20 years or more in service and another 39 have between 10 and 19 years of service. One team member, Lee “Dagwood” Anderson, has worked at the location for 47 years.
“Our focus on quality food, innovation and, of course, team member safety makes this plant an important link in the total Tyson Foods network,” said Kemal Beach, vice president of value-added operations.
Through its subsidiaries, Tyson Foods operates facilities in 20 Arkansas communities, employing more than 23,000 team members in the state with an annual payroll of more than $1.3 billion. Annual payments to family farmers who grow chickens for the company in Arkansas are more than $260 million. The company estimates its total statewide annual impact, including grain purchases, utilities, property taxes and charitable contributions, to be more than $1.9 billion.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 122,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit www.tysonfoods.com.
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