Tyson Foods, Inc. is investing $59 million to expand its distribution center in Macon, a move that will add jobs, improve efficiency and support the company’s plans for growth.
The project, which will begin this summer, includes a 152,000-square foot addition to the existing facility. The Macon distribution center currently serves retail and foodservice customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2018 and is expected to add more than 100 jobs, bringing total employment at the distribution center to almost 240.
“The expansion of our Macon distribution center is part of our focus on continuous improvement and commitment to customer service,” said Gregg Uecker, senior vice president of network planning and integration. “This expansion will allow us to ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands to customers from one distribution center, while also improving team member safety and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s great news for our customers, our community, our team members and our environment.”
“Tyson Foods has been a great “Partner in the Park” in our 1-75 Business Park. Their core values and strong commitment to community outreach aligns with ours,” said MBCIA Chairman Cliffard Whitby. “This new business expansion provides an even greater impact to our burgeoning reputation as a national ‘City of Transformation’. We are helping businesses to transform as they expand in our business-friendly environment.”
“I’m delighted to thank Tyson Foods for their continued and expanding investment in our community, and for recognizing the benefit our location in the state and southeast has on their operation,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “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.”
“Congratulations to Tyson Foods, Inc. on this expansion news,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Not only is this announcement a win for Macon, but for the entire state. The growth of our existing industries is critically important to our state’s overall economic well-being. I am confident that Tyson Foods will not only meet, but exceed the needs of their customers with this expansion.”
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About the Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects.
About the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority
The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) is Macon-Bibb’s lead economic development authority. It is a public body corporate and politic duly created by an Act of the General Assembly in 1962 and is governed by a six-member board. The MBCIA was created for the public purpose of promoting and expanding, for the public good and welfare, industry and trade within Macon-Bibb County, Georgia and reducing unemployment to the greatest extent possible. The MBCIA has developed and owns land in several industrial parks, and also leases manufacturing, warehousing and office space. To learn more, visit www.mbcia.com.