Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark., concluded a line expansion at its prepared foods plant in Emporia, Kan. The $3 million expansion will make a product for a national foodservice customer and create about 16 jobs.

The project consisted of building a new room to house the line, modifications to existing refrigeration and the installation of equipment. The Emporia plant is one of Tyson Foods’ specialty meat plants that produces value-added raw cuts of beef, pork and chicken for foodservice and retail, both branded and private label.

“We’re glad we can make products to meet our customer’s needs,” says Mike Fiehler, complex manager. “Any time we invest in our facility, it’s an investment in Kansas and Emporia. We want to thank the Kansas Department of Commerce for all they did to help make the expansion project possible.”

IBP, inc., which was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2001, purchased the Emporia plant from Armour & Co. in 1967. After extensive renovations, it started up in May 1969. The plant was converted into a specialty meats facility in 2008.