Tyson Fresh Meats, a Dakota Dunes, S.D.-based subsidiary of Tyson Foods, announced reconstruction of its Holcomb, Kan., beef complex following a fire that broke out in August. Efforts to resume harvest operations will begin the first week of December, with intentions to be fully operational by the first week of January.

“We recognize the disruption the fire caused for our suppliers and our customers, and are more than pleased to announce we are in the final stages of reconstruction,” says Steve Stouffer, group president. “Our team is ready to begin the process of ramping back up, recognizing that there will be testing and adjustments over the first few weeks to ensure equipment functionality while maintaining our commitment to team member safety and food safety.”

The fire severely damaged a critical part of the plant containing the hydraulic and electrical systems that support the harvest floor and cooler areas. Reconstruction included replacing support beams and the roof, hydraulic piping and pumps, installing over 50,000 feet of new wiring and the reconstruction of all new electrical panel rooms and equipment.

Since the fire, cattle have been diverted to the company’s other beef facilities, where they were able to offset some of the production volume losses to try and help mitigate disruption to cattle producers and customers.

Tyson Fresh Meats plans to resume receiving cattle at the Holcomb facility the first week of December.