RINGGOLD, VA. – Tyson Foods broke ground on a new poultry processing facility near Danville, Va., on Oct. 21.

The company plans to invest $300 million in the project that will serve as production plant for fully cooked Tyson branded chicken products. When the 325,000-square-foot facility is finished more than 376 jobs are expected to be created.

“We’ve worked successfully in the Commonwealth of Virginia for decades and are investing in a new facility here because our customers and consumers continue to want more high-quality Tyson brand chicken in their stores, homes and restaurants,” said David Bray, group president of poultry for Tyson Foods. “We’re thankful for the invitation to become a part of the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities, the support from both state and local leaders, and the presence of such a strong workforce in the region.”

Tyson expects the facility to be operational by early 2023.

Dignitaries that attended the groundbreaking included Virginia Governor Ralph Northam along with many local leaders.

"Tyson has a deep history in rural America, and they’ve set a national example on responding to COVID,” Northman said. “Their employees are safer for it, and we’re thrilled to see the company put down roots in southern Virginia.”

Tyson employs more than 2,000 people across the state of Virginia in hatchery, grain and processing operations.  

The company will receive grants from Virginia’s Opportunity Fund, the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, and the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund. It is also eligible to receive other assistance from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.