Tyson Foods is expanding its operation in Enid by reopening a former AdvancePierre facility that closed in 2017.
“As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to meet growing demand for its products and maximize efficiencies, the Tyson Foods facility on Pine Street in Enid, Oklahoma, is undergoing improvements,” said Derek Burleson, external communications for Tyson Foods.
The Pine Street plant was closed in April 2017, a decision made prior Tyson Foods’ acquisition of AdvancePierre. All production was then transferred to the facility on 54th Street.
There were 41 workers at the plant prior to shutdown, AdvancePierre said in 2017. All were offered other positions in Enid.
Following the closure of the company’s smallest facility, Chris Silva, AdvancePierre’s CEO at the time, said the move was made to increase efficiencies, which “further strengthens our balance sheet and supports future growth initiatives.”
Tyson Foods would soon take ownership of AdvancePierre in June after closing a $4.2 billion deal in April.
Currently, Tyson employs 1,451 at its Enid facilities, Burleson said, and 3,500 throughout Oklahoma. According to Burleson, around 14 new full-time jobs will be created once the plant starts back up again, “with the potential to add more positions once the plant is at full production.”
Enid Regional Development Alliance director Lisa Powell said she is “thrilled” the plant is reopening, calling it “great news for Enid.”
“We are pleased to see Tyson Foods continuing their growth in Enid by reinvesting in the Pine Street facility and adding more jobs in our community,” she said. “The fact that Tyson continues to expand their production capacity and employees in Enid shows they have a long-term commitment and confidence in our workforce.”
Pine Street will be producing ingredients for Tyson’s prepared foods business, Burleson said.
“The infrastructure, location and availability of qualified workforce make the facility ideal for this project.”
Story provided by Enid News & Eagle
Written by: MItchell Willetts
