In a recent development, Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King has expressed the company’s willingness to sell two poultry plants that are slated for closure in Missouri, as reported by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
Senator Hawley took to social media to announce that he had a conversation with Tyson’s CEO regarding the impending closure of two facilities in his home state. In August, Tyson Foods had announced the closure of plants in Dexter, Mo., Noel, Mo., North Little Rock, Ark., and Corydon, Ind.
In his tweet, Senator Hawley stated, “I spoke with the CEO of Tyson Food today, Donnie King. He told me, first, Tyson is willing to sell its facilities in Dexter and Noel, Missouri to any interested party — including a competitor. I was glad to hear it, because anything less would violate antitrust laws. I hope Tyson is actively pursuing a sale that will save these jobs in Missouri. Second, he told me Tyson would help any farmer who wanted to keep raising chickens to do so, including helping them get new contracts with Tyson or other companies. We will hold him to these commitments.”
As of now, Tyson Foods has not issued an official response to Senator Hawley’s statement.
The decision to close certain plants comes as Tyson seeks to balance supply and demand in the poultry industry. The company reported a loss of $417 million in its fiscal third quarter and witnessed an 80% year-on-year decline in adjusted operating income during the first half of the year.
In response to Tyson’s plant closures, Senator Hawley introduced legislation aimed at addressing concerns related to large meatpacking and poultry monopolies, indicating his commitment to fostering a more competitive landscape within the industry.
The fate of the Dexter and Noel, Missouri facilities remains uncertain, but Tyson’s willingness to consider selling them to interested parties, including competitors, opens up possibilities for the preservation of jobs and continued poultry production in the region. The situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored in the coming months.
