News Summary
Thomas Foods International USA has acquired the former Tyson Foods plant in Jacksonville for $3.55 million. This move aims to strengthen meat processing operations and is expected to create up to 100 jobs, contributing to the local economy. An investment of $28 million will support revitalization efforts outlined in Project Pan, enhancing Jacksonville’s meat processing capabilities and boosting the local food supply chain.
Jacksonville, FL – Thomas Foods International USA has successfully acquired the former Tyson Foods Inc. plant for $3.55 million as part of its strategy to strengthen meat processing operations in the area. The purchase, finalized on September 17, is expected to lead to significant job creation and investment in the local economy.
The plant, located at 5441 W. Fifth St., Northwest Jacksonville, is a 50,000-square-foot facility situated on 4.29 acres. Originally built in 1974, the warehouse was previously owned by Bruss Co. of Springdale, Arkansas, which acquired it for $1.5 million in 2012.
As part of the acquisition, Thomas Foods North America plans to invest $28 million into the facility, supporting the city’s ambitious Project Pan. This initiative, approved by the Jacksonville City Council on August 26, aims to revitalize meat processing in Jacksonville, which is crucial for local economic development.
Project Pan secured $800,000 in city incentives to support this effort, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing its meat processing capabilities. The expected outcome of this project includes the creation of up to 100 new jobs within three years, with an average annual wage of $59,211 and an additional benefits package valued at approximately $16,000 per employee.
A new amendment stipulates that if Thomas Foods International does not create at least 10 jobs by 2029, the REV grant will be terminated. Furthermore, once operational, the facility anticipates the production of 1 million pounds of finished product weekly, significantly boosting the local food supply chain.
The acquisition also fits into a larger competitive landscape, as Jacksonville vies with Savannah, Georgia, for enhanced port access for meat imports. The intent is to leverage the city’s port infrastructure to import goods effectively, strengthening Jacksonville’s position in the meat processing industry.
The former Tyson Foods plant had announced its closure, slated for January 8, 2024, which would have resulted in 219 job losses as communicated in November 2023. This acquisition by Thomas Foods International marks a pivotal reversal of that trend, restoring job opportunities and expanding the local meat processing market.
Thomas Foods International is renowned for its processing and exporting capabilities in the meat industry, specializing in beef, lamb, goat products, and seafood. The company currently processes and distributes over 100 million pounds of meat products annually in the U.S. from its facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey, underscoring its significant presence in the meat market.
The investment and job creation resulting from this acquisition are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the economy of Jacksonville. The local government’s support via incentives indicates a strong commitment to fostering growth in the manufacturing and processing sectors, position Jacksonville as a key player in the meat processing industry.
As the city moves forward with Project Pan and the reinvigoration of the former Tyson facility, residents and officials alike are optimistic about the potential for growth, economic stability, and new opportunities that this acquisition will bring to Jacksonville.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Thomas Foods International USA Buys Tyson Foods Plant
- Wikipedia: Meat Processing
- Jacksonville.com: EverBank Stadium’s New Food Options
- Google Search: meat processing industry Jacksonville
- JD News: High School Student Organizes 5K to Combat Food Insecurity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Stamford Advocate: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
- Google News: Jacksonville Jaguar news
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
