Tyson Foods to close Emporia facilities, impacting 804 people [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyson Foods, one of the largest employers in Emporia, Kansas, notified city officials Monday it plans to close its two facilities in the city by early 2025.

In a filing with state and local officials Monday, the Arkansas-based food company says it will close its lab at 506 Funston St. around Dec. 20, 2024. Its processing plant at 2101 W. 6th St. will close around Feb. 14, 2025.

The company anticipates 804 jobs will be impacted.

“As part of the Company’s business strategy to operate more efficiently, Tyson Foods, Inc. has determined that it must eliminate all jobs at its Emporia, Kansas, plant…” Ernesto Sanchez, Tyson vice president of operations, beef and pork, wrote in a letter addressed to Emporia Mayor Erren Harter, Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking and Shelly Thompson, workforce services director at the Kansas Department of Commerce. “Tyson Foods regrets that team members at both Emporia facilities must be permanently displaced yet hopes to …