The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) today announced Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., will invest almost $300 million to build a food production plant in Utah that will initially provide 800 jobs and is expected to expand to 1,200 positions within three years after opening. It will also add an estimated $27 million in new state tax revenue over the next 10 years.

“We are pleased that Tyson Foods, a Fortune 100 Company, has selected Utah to build its newest facility,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “This well-known company has a long history and great reputation. It will allow them to have better distribution and access to the western states.”

The new facility will be a case ready plant. It will be involved in converting large cuts of beef and pork into steaks, chops, roasts and ground meat that are placed in retail trays, weighed and labeled and then shipped to retailers to be sold through the grocery meat case.

“We’re excited about building a new food plant in Utah and appreciate the state’s support and the exceptional people we’ve met,” said Nate Hodne, senior vice president and general manager of case ready meats for Tyson Fresh Meats. “We believe Utah is a great location because of the availability of labor and property and the access to highways and rail. Once built, the new facility will help us meet growing demand for case ready meat in the western U.S.”

Tyson Fresh Meats is the beef and pork unit of Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the nation’s leading food companies. The business currently operates case ready plants in Iowa, Tennessee and Texas and hopes to open the Utah facility as soon as 2021.

“Tyson Fresh Meat’s expansion demonstrates that Utah is more than a hotbed for Software and IT companies. This manufacturing plant will diversify the local economy and provide opportunities for residents to work close to home,” said Theresa Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah.

Company representatives have assessed several potential plant sites in the Salt Lake City area and are currently collaborating with local officials at one of the locations to confirm all needed infrastructure and other support will be available. Once remaining questions are answered, more information will be shared.

Jake Berlin, Business Development Manager, managed this project for EDCUtah.

For more information on this or other projects, contact Colby Cooley, vice president of business development, at 801-323-4250, ccooley@edcutah.org.

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