COLUMBIA, SC. – Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. said the company will close a prepared foods plant in Columbia, SC. The closure will impact approximately 150 employees.

“After much consideration and as part of ongoing efforts to increase efficiency in our business, we plan to discontinue operations at our Columbia, SC, plant in mid-August,” the company said. “We’ve made this very difficult decision in order to continue focusing on and investing in strategic growth priorities.

“We intend to cooperate with state officials to ensure the employees affected by the closure are informed about unemployment benefits and any potential opportunities within Tyson Foods. Workers are welcome to apply for other openings within the company.”

The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic did not influence the company’s decision to close the plant which produces pizza toppings and taco fillings.