SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods Inc. announced in its third-quarter earnings release on Aug. 7 that it would close four additional US poultry plants.

The company said it would close chicken facilities in North Little Rock, Ark., Corydon, Ind., Dexter, Mo., and Noel, Mo.

In a statement, Donnie King, president and chief executive officer of Tyson, said the difficult decision demonstrates the company’s commitment to bold action and operational excellence as the company drives performance, including lower costs and improving capacity utilization.

A Tyson spokesperson added that it would close the North Little Rock location on or about Oct. 7, 2023, and move the production to other facilities.

“We did not take this decision lightly and taking care of our team members is our top priority,” the company added. “All impacted team members are encouraged to apply for open, posted roles within the company and we will assist in offering relocation benefits where applicable.”

Tyson said workers at the plant would see no change in benefits and would be paid for any earned but unused vacation through the date of the plant’s closure. Additionally, the company said it would pay a retention bonus of $1,000 to any hourly employee who stays on through the plant closing date.

“We are closely coordinating with state and local officials, including the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, to connect all team members to resources and assistance available,” the company said.

Earlier this year, Tyson announced it would close two other facilities in Van Buren, Ark., and Glen Allen, Va., which were expected to result in approximately 1,700 lost jobs.

In October 2022, the company announced it would move all its corporate employees to one location in Springdale, Ark. Before that, Tyson had corporate locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, III., and Dakota Dunes, SD, for various parts of the business.

The announcement came as part of Tyson’s fiscal third quarter results for the period ended July 1, 2023. Further details of the results will be posted on meatpoultry.com soon.