In a strategic move aligning with consumer trends and surging demand, Tyson Foods has unveiled plans to invest $355 million in constructing a state-of-the-art bacon plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This marks the eighth major investment by the meat giant this year, solidifying its commitment to meeting the growing retail and foodservice demand for bacon products and propelling long-term growth.
Expected to commence production in late 2023, the new facility is anticipated to create 450 jobs, adding a significant economic boost to the Warren County and Kentucky communities. Noelle O’Mara, Group President of Prepared Foods for Tyson Foods, expressed excitement about contributing to these communities and continuing to provide consumers with iconic products such as Wright Brand and Jimmy Dean.
“As people actively look to add more protein to their diets, Tyson is uniquely positioned as a category leader to meet that growing demand,” noted O’Mara.
The upcoming facility, spanning 400,000 square feet, will focus on the production of retail and foodservice products under the Wright Brand and Jimmy Dean brands. To enhance production efficiency and ensure team member safety, the plant will incorporate the latest in robotics and automated technologies. Situated in the expanded Kentucky Transpark in Bowling Green, this state-of-the-art facility represents a significant stride towards modernizing Tyson’s operations.
Governor Beshear praised Tyson Foods’ vision for the future, highlighting the substantial economic impact the investment will bring to Warren County. He remarked, “Today, I am proud to announce one of the largest investments in Warren County’s history, and this is a community that has had no shortage of economic success in recent years.”
Tyson Foods, already a significant player in Kentucky, employs over 3,900 people across the state with an annual payroll exceeding $168 million. In the 2020 fiscal year, the company paid Kentucky growers and suppliers more than $35 million, estimating its total statewide impact at $425 million. With Prepared Foods operations in Claryville and Poultry operations in Albany and Robards, Tyson Foods continues to solidify its footprint in the region.
While hiring for the new facility will begin in the coming months, those interested in joining the Tyson Foods team are encouraged to regularly check the Tyson Foods Careers website for updates. This investment underscores Tyson Foods’ strategic focus on growth, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers in the protein market.
