By Associated Press - Thursday, March 18, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Tyson Foods is returning to South Carolina’s Richland County and bringing 330 jobs with it.

The company announced Wednesday that it plans to invest $55 million over the next three to five years at its plant in Columbia, transforming the facility into a meat portioning and packing operation. Tyson had originally made taco meat and pizza toppings at that plant but the location was closed last August in an effort to increase efficiency.

The new operation is expected to employ 330 people, more than double the amount of people who previously worked at the facility.

“Once operational, this new facility will help us meet growing demand from our retail customers with high-quality, pre-cut, pre-packaged fresh beef and pork,” said Nate Hodne, Tyson Fresh Meats Senior Vice President and General Manager, Portioned Protein Innovation Team.

The site is expected to be up and running in May.

“We look forward to continuing our state’s fruitful partnership with Tyson and to their continued commitment to South Carolina and our people,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a news release.

“When a company decides to invest in South Carolina, it speaks volumes about our business environment and workforce. I am excited to see what the future has in store for Tyson Foods and their revamped operations in Richland County,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt added.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $500,000 Set-Aside grant for costs related to the project.

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