Tyson Foods announced Thursday that the company will invest $200 million at its Amarillo, Texas, beef plant. Plans include expanding and upgrading operations and better servicing employees with a team member well-being area.
The project is slated to begin this fall and includes the construction of a 143,000-square-foot addition to the existing beef complex. The expansion will house upgraded team member well-being areas, including locker rooms, cafeteria, and office space. The project will also expand and enhance the facility’s existing operations floor. It is expected to be completed by 2024 and will improve team member experience and overall operational efficiencies.
Kevin Carter, Executive Director, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, stated, “Thank you to Tyson Foods for its continued commitment to the Amarillo area. Today’s announcement solidifies Tyson’s position as a top economic driver in our community for years to come. The $200 million capital expenditure illustrates a significant investment in Tyson Foods’ future in Amarillo.”
The Amarillo plant is one of the largest of the company’s six beef facilities employing around 4,000 people — the company does not anticipate adding jobs to the plant as a result of the project.
Tyson’s announcement comes barely a week after Texas’ governor said that Producer Owned Beef LLC will pour $670 million into a new beef processing facility also being built in Amarillo next year. That site will employ up to 1,600 people and have a capacity to process 3,000 or more head per day. Its estimated annual payroll is $120 million.
Tyson’s planned expansion modernizes its facility, prioritizes team member safety, ergonomics, and food safety, and incorporates enhanced automation and new technologies. The new space also supports several of the company’s sustainability efforts through energy and water conservation improvements. Specially designed water utility equipment, pumps, and piping will automate and allow for a reduction in water usage.
“We’re committed to be the most sought-after place to work and while we’ve invested heavily in new benefits for our team, this project will improve the onsite work experience for our team members, while making our operations more efficient,” said Shane Miller, Group President, Tyson Foods Fresh Meats.
In 2021, the company awarded nearly $400,000 to the Wesley Community Center and Maverick Boys and Girls Club of Amarillo to refurbish their facilities to accommodate the children of Tyson team members employed at the company’s Amarillo beef plant.
Tyson Foods’ beef business currently operates beef plants in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, and Washington. The company receives cattle from nearly 90 independent cattle suppliers in the state, and it’s estimated Tyson Foods’ operations have a total economic impact of almost $3 billion in Texas.
