
Tyson Foods is expanding a distribution centre in Georgia, a move the US-based meat giant claims will create jobs, improve efficiency and support its growth strategy.
The development, which will start this summer and is expected to be completed in late 2018, includes a 152,000 sq ft addition to the existing premises, which serves retail and foodservice customers in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.
More than 100 jobs will be created when the new facility is up and running, bringing total employment at the facility to around 240.
“This expansion will allow us to ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands to customers from one distribution centre, while also improving team member safety and reducing our carbon footprint,” Gregg Uecker, senior vice president of network planning and integration at Tyson, said.
The move has been welcomed by local government officials. Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert thanked Tyson for its continued investment in the area and for recognising the benefit of the location in the state. “We are the hub city of middle Georgia, and it’s becoming more apparent to business and industry that we serve as one for this entire region of the United States.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development also applauded Tyson’s expansion plans. “Not only is this announcement a win for Macon, but for the entire state,” said commissioner Pat Wilson. “The growth of our existing industries is critically important to our state’s overall economic well-being.”