WALNUT GROVE, MISS. — Tyson Foods Inc. announced an investment of $18 million in the Mississippi economy through an expansion of the company’s hatchery in Walnut Grove, Miss. By increasing the facility’s capacity to hold chicks and eggs, the project will support operational efficiency at the company’s nearby Forest and Carthage, Miss., poultry processing plants.

The 16,000-square-foot expansion will be completed in phases, with a final design plan slated for December 2022. Tyson expects construction to be complete by early 2024.

“We are excited to end 2022 with an economic investment in the state of Mississippi with the expansion of our Walnut Grove hatchery,” said David Bray, Tyson Foods’ group president of poultry. “This project demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence at all Tyson Foods facilities and our long-term commitment to the Mississippi communities that make all that we do possible.”

The project will create jobs for Walnut Grove, Forest, Carthage and the surrounding areas. Tyson is looking for supervisors, general laborers, contract laborers and drivers.

“There’s no doubt Tyson Foods has become an integral part of our community’s economic success. We look forward to increasing our impact and welcoming new team members in 2023,” said Mack Walker, live operations manager.

The expansion is part of a series of investments in the Mississippi economy, beginning in 2021. Tyson said in total the company has a $339 million annual impact in the state and supports over 3,400 Mississippi team members. The most recent investment was a $90 million expansion to the Forest plant.