Tyson Foods commits US$23.5M in expanding, upgrading its Kentucky poultry facility
US$23.5 million project to support over 1,100 jobs at the Robards plant
USA – Tyson Foods is undertaking a major expansion and equipment upgrade at its Robards, Kentucky poultry processing plant, with the company committing US$23.5 million to the project.
The investment will support the plant’s ability to handle growing demand for protein products, while also maintaining more than 1,100 jobs in Henderson County.
According to the company, the project involves installation of new equipment and upgrades to existing operations to improve capacity and diversify product output.
Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2025 and is projected to be completed by spring 2026.
This development was officially announced by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who noted that Tyson Foods has maintained operations in the state for over three decades.
In a public statement, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the expansion shows Tyson’s continued involvement in Kentucky’s food production sector.
Local officials have also welcomed the announcement, with Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider highlighting the economic impact of Tyson’s long-term presence in the region.
The Robards facility, which has been in operation for years, previously underwent a similar capital project in 2016–2017 valued at US$13.5 million.
That earlier investment resulted in new freezer systems, two additional production lines, and enhancements in food safety procedures and worker protection measures.
At the time, the upgrades were expected to create at least 66 new positions at the site.
The latest investment, however, focuses on retaining the current workforce while scaling up production capabilities to meet shifting market needs.
Tyson Foods remains one of the leading poultry companies in the United States, ranking first in broiler production and among the top producers of turkey and animal feed.
The Robards facility continues to serve as a key part of the company’s national supply chain network, providing processed meat products to various markets.
Officials expect the new improvements to help the plant meet higher throughput levels without disrupting existing operations.
While no new job creation figures were released for the current project, the retention of over 1,100 employees signals a continued commitment to local employment.
The company has not specified which product lines will be affected, but the upgrades are expected to enhance overall efficiency and responsiveness to consumer demand.
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