Tyson Foods will continue preparing beef for sale at its Lexington, NE, slaughterhouse for the time being, even as the company moves forward with the facility’s closure.
Reuters reported the decision will offer a short reprieve to about 9% of the plant’s 3,200 workers. Tyson announced in November that it would shut the beef plant around Jan. 20, citing tight cattle supplies that have raised costs for U.S. processors.
In a new notice to Nebraska officials, Reuters said layoffs began on that date, but Tyson will extend employment for roughly 292 workers for between three and 185 days to help with closure-related duties. Less than half were set to remain past the month’s end. State officials, Reuters added, hope the company will sell or repurpose the long-running facility to reduce economic harm to Lexington.
