Tyson Foods expansion project in southwest IL expected to produce hundreds of new jobs
Tyson Foods is making another big investment in the metro-east.
The food industry titan based in Arkansas on Wednesday announced an expansion project in Caseyville expected to produce hundreds of new jobs and yield a $180 million investment in the community.
Overall, the expansion will create 250 positions during the first phase, starting at $21 an hour in a variety of roles to include working on the floor to human resources.
An additional 200 construction jobs will also be created.
“Tyson is part of the St. Clair County family,” St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said during the groundbreaking. “We know this is a great project. It’s going to bring a lot of jobs and a lot of investment. Thank you to Tyson.”
As part of the expansion, the company received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, which stipulates a goal of investing $130 million and creating 220 jobs over the next two years.
The Caseyville plant currently produces Hillshire Farm and Jimmy Dean products. The 170,000-square foot expansion will increase production for grab-n-go snacking and breakfast items through the addition of seven new production lines to meet increasing demand, according to a release from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office.
Installation of the first new production line is scheduled to be this fall, with the expansion set to be completed in the summer of 2023, Tyson stated in a press release.
Pritzker, who attended the groundbreaking, praised Tyson for investing in the metro-east and Illinois.
“This groundbreaking is another example of Illinois’ successful efforts to support major job creators,” he said. “This is a win for Illinois. It’s a win for Caseyville and it’s a win for the entire metro-east region. Your investment in Caseyville and throughout Illinois is a true partnership bringing economic vitality across the state.”
Noelle O’Mara, group president, prepared foods, for Tyson Foods is excited for the company and for Caseyville.
“It’s an honor to be here with you all and I couldn’t be more proud to commemorate this exciting step in Caseyville. It’s an exciting day for our company,” she said. “Thank you to the Caseyville community and to the Tyson team for the collaboration leading us to today. Our promise to Casyeville: We will continue making Tyson a place to grow, thrive and be successful at.”
Tyson Foods first opened in Caseyville in 2010 at 12 Tucker Drive and the present facility employs approximately 300 people.
Here is what others had to say about Tyson’s decision to expand in Caseyville during Wednesday’s groundbreaking:
Khama Sharp, acting assistant director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
“The Tyson expansion means a $180 million investment that will result in creating new jobs. In DCEO we believe in working with major job creators who will invest in our people. I’d like to congratulate Tyson on their decision to expand in Illinois.”
Sylvia I. Garcia, DCEO director
“Tyson’s expansion in Caseyville will create at least 220 new jobs which will benefit the community and the entire metro-east region. Tyson’s decision to expand operations here in Illinois further solidifies our state’s reputation as a top food manufacturing powerhouse,” she stated in a press release.
State Sen. Christopher Belt
“I’m excited to stand here today to support this expansion. I want to thank Tyson for choosing to invest in the metro-east, build upon their industry here in Illinois and create good paying jobs for our residents. I truly believe it’s a testament to the skill of our workforce in Illinois. Thank you to the Tyson family for really investing in job creation in this area.”
State Rep. LaToya Greenwood
“Anytime we talk about expansion that always equates to job creation. This corporation provides an opportunity for good paying jobs and wages to take care of families.”
State Rep. Jay Hoffman
“This is a great day in the community.”
State Rep. Kate Stewart
“This is such a momentous occasion for us. This expansion is a game changer, not only for Caseyville but for the entire area. I’m so proud to have this project here. Thank you to Tyson for staying in the metro-east and choosing the metro-east.”
Alfie Vivian, senior vice president, retail, Tyson Foods
“Caseyville is the perfect place to see this expansion and growth happening.”
State Sen. Christopher Belt
“As a legislator this is what it’s all about: Great companies planting their roots in Illinois and investing in the men and women who live here. It’s the American dream. Tyson, thank you for your renewed commitment to this district. We’re grateful.”
Ross Myers, vice president of operations, Tyson
“Thank you Caseyville team.”
This story was originally published August 3, 2022 at 12:29 PM.