Tyson Foods is closing three U.S. processing plants, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 jobs as the company navigates a challenging cattle market. The closures include the Emporia, Kansas, beef plant, which employs 809 workers, and two prepared foods plants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that produce meat for cheesesteaks, according to filings under the WARN Act. The Emporia facility, which processes seasoned and marinated proteins, is set to close by February 14, 2025, while the two Original Philly plants will shut down by January 31, affecting 229 workers.
These job cuts mark the latest in a series of closures by Tyson, which has faced ongoing challenges in the meat industry. Since the beginning of 2023, the company has closed six chicken processing plants and at least three fresh meat facilities, including a 60-year-old pork plant in Perry, Iowa, due to operational and market pressures that have impacted its earnings. While Tyson has seen improvements in its pork and prepared foods divisions, the continuing U.S. cattle shortage is still hurting its profitability.
Tyson’s decision to close the Original Philly plants, which it acquired in 2017, is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency, according to Scott Shipferling, Tyson’s vice president of operations. The company has pledged to support the affected workers by collaborating with state and local officials to provide resources, job placement assistance, and opportunities within Tyson’s other operations.
The closures have drawn criticism, especially in rural areas where Tyson is a major employer. In Emporia, a town of approximately 24,000 residents, local officials are working with community organizations to help displaced workers find new opportunities. They emphasized that while the closure is a significant challenge, the city’s economy remains strong, and they are focused on attracting new industries to ensure future growth and stability.
