Facility upgrades part of Tyson Foods' $200 million investment in Amarillo beef plant

Tyson Foods recently announced the company will invest $200 million at its Amarillo beef plant to expand and upgrade operations and build a new team member well-being area.

According to a news release, the project will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by 2024.

The project involves construction of a 143,000-square-foot addition to the existing beef complex, which will house well-being areas including locker rooms, cafeteria and office space, as well as an expansion and enhancement to the facility’s currently existing operations floor. While the project itself is not expected to add jobs, the Amarillo facility already employs 4,000 people and generates an annual payroll of $180 million, according to the company.

“Thank you to Tyson Foods for its continued commitment to the Amarillo area," Kevin Carter, Executive Director of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, said in the release about the announcement, which "solidifies Tyson’s position as a top economic driver in our community for years to come, and the $200 million capital expenditure illustrates a significant investment in Tyson Foods’ future in Amarillo.”

The Amarillo plant is one of the largest of Tyson Foods’ six beef facilities. The complex produces commodity cuts of fresh beef and specialty products and includes a ground beef patty operation; these products are packaged and boxed for sale to retail and foodservice customers throughout the U.S. and world.

“It’s exciting to see the economic growth in Potter County,” said Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner, after the Potter County Commissioners' Court recently voted to approve establishing a reinvestment zone at 5000 N. FM 1912 and entering an agreement for property tax abatement with Tyson Foods. "Amarillo continues to be a place where existing businesses are able to thrive and expand, and we are seeing that with Tyson Foods’ commitment.”

The Amarillo plant's expansion will modernize the facility and prioritizes team member safety, ergonomics and food safety. In addition, it will incorporate enhanced automation and new technologies, according to the company. The new space also supports several of Tyson Foods' sustainability efforts: Specially designed water utility equipment, pumps, and piping will automate and allow for a reduction in water usage.

“We’re committed to be the most sought-after place to work, and while we’ve invested heavily in new benefits for our team, this project will improve the onsite work experience for our team members, while making our operations more efficient,” said Shane Miller, Group President of Tyson Foods Fresh Meats.

In previous local community contributions, in 2021, the company awarded nearly $400,000 to the Wesley Community Center and Maverick Boys and Girls Club of Amarillo to refurbish their facilities, to help accommodate the children of Tyson Amarillo staff.

Tyson Foods’ beef business currently operates beef plants in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Washington. The company receives cattle from close to 90 independent cattle suppliers in the state, leading to a total estimated economic impact of nearly $3 billion in Texas. For more information, visit www.TysonFoods.com

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Upgrades part of Tyson Foods' $200M investment in Amarillo beef plant