COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – Tyson Foods is returning to Richland County in South Carolina and bringing 330 jobs.
The company announced on Wednesday that it plans to invest $ 55 million over the next three to five years at its plant in Columbia, turning the facility into a portioning and packaging operation for meat. Tyson had originally made taco meat and pizza fillings at that factory, but the site was closed last August in an effort to increase efficiency.
The new operation is expected to employ 330 people, more than double the number of people who previously worked at the unit.
“Once operational, this new facility will help us meet the growing demand from our retail customers with high quality, pre-cut and pre-packaged fresh beef and pork,” said Nate Hodne, senior vice president and manager General of Tyson Fresh Meats, Portioned Protein innovation team.
The site should be up and running in May.
“We look forward to continuing our state’s fruitful partnership with Tyson and its continued commitment to South Carolina and our people,” said Governor Henry McMaster in a press release.
“When a company decides to invest in South Carolina, it speaks volumes about our business environment and workforce. I am excited to see what the future holds for Tyson Foods and its renewed operations in Richland County, ”added Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The Economic Development Coordinating Council approved a $ 500,000 Set-Aside grant for project-related costs.