Wisconsin Ag Connection - Tyson to Close Pepperoni Plant in Jefferson

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Tyson to Close Pepperoni Plant in Jefferson
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/20/2015

Another Wisconsin food plant is closing up shop and leaving hundreds of workers go in the process. Tyson Foods Inc. announced Thursday it will discontinue operations at its pepperoni plant in Jefferson in mid-2016. The move will cost the areas about 400 jobs.

Tyson, which is based in Arkansas, acquired the Jefferson facility in 2001 from IBP Inc. The plant makes pepperoni and ham for pizza toppings, as well as sliced meats for deli and food service applications.

The company says the closing is part of an effort to improve the overall performance of its prepared foods business.

"We examined many options before we turned down this road," said Donnie King, president of North American operations for Tyson. "This affects the lives of our team members and their families, making it a very difficult decision. But after long and careful consideration, we've determined we can better serve our customers by shifting production and equipment to more modern and efficient locations."

Meanwhile, the company will also close its Chicago plant, which makes chicken cordon bleu and other prepared foods for the hospitality industry.

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