NEWBERN, TENN. – Tyson Foods Inc. announced on Jan. 24 that it would invest more than $20 million into the Newbern, Tenn., community with expansions to production capabilities, a wellness center and construction of an independent roadway for production transportation.

The first phase of the project started in April 2021 with a 21,000-square-foot expansion to an existing barn facility, with a completed total of 60,625 square feet. 

The expanded space provides a 20% increase in capacity at the facility which employs more than 600 workers.  

“This project has already proven to be instrumental to facility performance as we continue to meet increased demand for our Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm and other category-leading products,” said Stewart Glendinning, president of prepared foods for Tyson Foods.

The company said the final two phases of the project are underway, with expected completion by early 2023. A new independent roadway with a guard shack will create separate access for transporting livestock to the facility, enhancing safety measures.

Additionally, a new well-being building, complete with office space, conference area, break room, restrooms and changing rooms, will be available along with other amenities.  

“I’m thrilled to celebrate our investment in our Newbern Prepared Foods plant with our hard-working, dedicated team members,” said Stan Welch, plant manager at Tyson Foods. “These improvements reaffirm our dedication to the broader Tyson Foods mission to produce quality food products and strive to be the most sought-after place to work.”  

Tyson Foods finished two other major poultry projects in Tennessee in recent years.

During 2020, the company completed an expansion of its poultry processing plant in Union City, Tenn., which included adding 40,000 square feet of space.

Then in 2021, it opened a new 370,000-square-foot complex in Humboldt, Tenn. The $425 million project includes a processing plant, feed mill and hatchery.