Major Food Company Closing IL Facility, Eliminating 2,500 Jobs

JOSLIN, IL — Tyson Foods will close its Joslin beef facility, the company announced, eliminating about 2,500 jobs, according to elected officials.

Tyson disclosed its plan to shutter the western Illinois facility in a statement Thursday, in which it also announced it would end operations at a case-ready facility in Utah.

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"Capacity from these locations will be moved to more strategically located facilities with ample capacity to grow," the statement said.

Additionally, Tyson said it was pursuing the sale of another beef facility in Washington.

The company characterized the closures and sale as part of "strategic changes to its beef operations," citing a need to "create a more competitive footprint amidst one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced" as it moves to anchor its beef business around facilities in Nebraska, Kansas and Texas.

"Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and communities," the statement said. "The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities."

Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, as well as U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen of Illinois District 17, all Democrats, described the situation as "devastating for the 2,500 skilled union workers impacted by the closure of the Tyson plant in Joslin, especially at a time when American families are struggling with the rising cost of living."

State Sen. Li Arellano Jr., a Republican representing the 37th District, tied the closure to Illinois' economic environment.

"The loss of Tyson Foods is another glaring example of the uncompetitive business climate we offer in Illinois," he said in a statement.

"… These are 2,500 people who woke up with a job and a plan for their future and are now wondering how they are going to put food on the table. It's heartbreaking."