May 1, 2005 12:00 PM

Tyson Foods will open a major case-ready meat plant in Sherman TX, employing as many as 1,600 people.

The Springdale AR-based meat producer will spend approximately $100 million to renovate the former Oscar Mayer plant in Sherman. Initial operations are expected to begin in early 2006. The plant will be transformed into Tyson's largest case-ready operation, producing pre-packaged cuts of fresh beef and pork that are ready for retail grocers to place directly into the meat case.

The 537,000-square-foot plant was first opened by Oscar Mayer in 1974 and was used to produce bacon, hot dogs, and sausage. Oscar Mayer closed the plant in 1998. The facility was purchased in 2000 by IBP inc, a company subsequently acquired in 2001 by Tyson Foods and now known as Tyson Fresh Meats.

Renovations will begin immediately. Work will include improvements in the refrigeration system and installation of new processing and packaging equipment. The renovation project is expected to provide employment for 300 to 500 construction workers.