Feb 27, 2004 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports

Tyson Foods Inc has announced a plan to consolidate its processing operations in Jackson MS into the company's facility in Carthage MS. The Springdale AR-based meat processor acquired the Carthage facility when it purchased Choctaw Maid Farms in late September 2003.

Approximately 850,000 birds being processed weekly in Jackson will now be processed at Carthage, bringing the total production at that facility to about 2.3 million weekly. New automated processing equipment being installed in Carthage will enable this production to be accomplished with a total of approximately 1,800 people, compared with the 2,700 now employed in the two plants combined.

The Jackson plant employs about 800 people, who will be offered severance packages and relocation aid. Tyson's human resources department will also work with state and local agencies to assist employees in identifying other opportunities.

When the automated processes are installed at the Carthage plant, roughly 120 positions will be eliminated mainly through attrition.