As part of a strategic effort to become one of the premier producers of pet treats, Tyson Foods Inc. is reopening and renovating the company’s idle production plant in Independence, Iowa, Tyson and community officials announced.
Tyson will spend approximately $6.6 million to install equipment and make other improvements in the plant in order to begin pet treat production in early 2010. The new operation will initially employ more than 60 people, including production workers and management, and is expected to grow to more than 100 within the next couple of years.
For competitive reasons, Tyson officials said it is premature to provide specific details about the pet treats, but indicated the products produced at Independence are intended to be sold nationally under multiple brand names.
“The $3 billion pet treats market has experienced more than an 8% percent compound annual sales growth over the past five years and does not appear to be adversely affected by the economic slowdown,” said Dave Hogberg, general manager of Pet Products for Tyson. “We believe this is an area of great opportunity and this initiative is a natural extension of our strategy to value-up raw materials into higher margin categories.”
While Tyson has historically been involved in supplying raw materials for pet foods, this will be the first company facility involved in the production of finished, retail-ready pet products.
“We engaged in a very comprehensive selection process to identify a production facility that could meet our current and future business needs” added Gregg Uecker, vice president of operations for Tyson’s Renewable Products Division. “The Independence plant not only provides us with the physical assets to build on, but is located in a community where we can have a strong partnership and exceptional labor force.”
“The selection process culminated with the Iowa Department of Economic Development board approving a forgivable loan, which combined with local financial support, made choosing Independence a sound business decision,” said Hogberg. “The commitment from the city, county and state has been exceptional and is very much appreciated. We believe we’ll be able to build a successful business together, deliver significant economic benefit through job creation and also demonstrate our desire to be good stewards of this beautiful community.”
"I'm extremely pleased the Independence plant will once again be an active part of the local economy, providing much needed jobs at a difficult time," said State Senator Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington. "We've been working with Tyson officials to provide the information and support they need to get the project going. Increased economic activity in our area will provide both direct and indirect benefits for the City of Independence and Buchanan County."
“We’re very encouraged by Tyson’s plans to reopen the Independence plant,” said State Representative Gene Ficken of Independence. “This facility will add new products from Iowa’s meat supply and create jobs that are needed and appreciated, especially in today’s economy.”
Hiring for plant maintenance and production positions will begin in early November, after the human resources staff is in place. Interested applicants should click on the following website on or after November 2nd for more information:
http://www.tyson.com/Corporate/Careers/SearchJobs.aspx
The Independence plant has been closed since early 2006, when Tyson consolidated some of its deli meat operations. The plant, which employed 300 people, had been in operation for more than 50 years.
Tyson Foods Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer 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 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