(Cherokee) — Tyson Foods Incorporated has announced it plans to shut down operations at its Cherokee plant. In a news release, issued on Friday, company spokesman, Gary Michelson says “as part of ongoing efforts to improve the performance of its prepared foods business, Tyson Foods Incorporated plans to discontinue operations at three facilities. The closings will enable the company to use more of the available production capacity at some of its other prepared foods plants.” Tyson Foods will close the Cherokee facility effective September 27th. The decision to close will mean 450 people will lose their jobs. Tyson officials say the decision to close the Cherokee plant was based upon the age of the plant, and that it has been struggling financially. The Cherokee plant has been producing processed meats since 1965. It currently makes deli meats, hams, Canadian bacon and hot dogs.
