Tyson to suspend operations at largest pork plant indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic
Tyson Foods Inc. confirmed on Wednesday that they would be suspending operations at their largest pork plant indefinitely. The facility located in Waterloo, Iowa, has been running at reduced levels
Tyson Foods Inc. confirmed on Wednesday that they would be suspending operations at their largest pork plant indefinitely.
The facility located in Waterloo, Iowa, has been running at reduced levels of production from workers being absent due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Protecting our team members is our top priority and the reason we’ve implemented numerous safety measures during this challenging and unprecedented time,” said Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats. “Despite our continued efforts to keep our people safe while fulfilling our critical role of feeding American families, the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns has resulted in our decision to stop production.”
Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef, and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., said a reopening date would depend on “a variety of factors, including the outcome of team member testing for COVID-19.” The plant is planning on testing its 2,800 employees later in the week.
“The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply,” Kenneth M. Sullivan, of Smithfield, said in a media release earlier this month.
Smithfield reported this plant alone accounted for “4 to 5 percent” of the entirety of U.S. pork production.
