Tyson Expands Iowa Pork Plant
Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. is planning $28 million expansion of its Waterloo pork processing plant after approval by Iowa’s Economic Development Authority on Friday.
The project includes construction of a new 56,400-sq.-ft. warehouse and renovation of another 18,250 sq. ft. of existing space to add production lines. It will add 245 new jobs at the plant, all paying more than $17.29 hourly through the state’s High Quality Jobs Incentive program.
The company now has nearly 2,900 workers and is Waterloo’s second-largest manufacturing employer, making it one of the largest locations in Tyson’s fresh meats group.
“The expansion of our Waterloo pork complex is great news for our plant, our community and our customers,” said Shane Miller, senior vice president of the pork division for Tyson Fresh Meats. “We are committed to the Waterloo community and look forward to adding more jobs while also supporting the independent pork producers in this region.”
IBP inc. spent about $40 million in 1990 building the Waterloo plant. IBP was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2001. Tyson also had been considering locations in Nebraska and Indiana for the project.
Residents of Tonganoxie, Kan., were less than amused when Tyson announced Sept. 5 its intentions to build a $320 million poultry facility. Now, Nebraska might be making a play for the plant.
