Tyson Fresh Meats announced today that reconstruction of its processing plant in Holcomb that was damaged in an August 9 fire is near completion. Officials said efforts to resume harvest operations will begin the first week of December, with intentions to be fully operational by the first week of January.
The fire severely damaged a critical part of the plant containing the hydraulic and electrical systems that support the harvest floor and cooler areas. Reconstruction included completely replacing support beams and the roof, hydraulic piping and pumps, installing more than 50,000 feet of new wiring and the reconstruction of all new electrical panel rooms and equipment.
Since the fire, cattle have been diverted to the company’s other beef facilities in an effort to offset some of the production volume losses and help mitigate disruption. The Holcomb facility is expected to begin receiving cattle the first week of December.
“Our team is ready to begin the process of ramping back up, recognizing that there will be testing and adjustments over the first few weeks to ensure equipment functionality, while maintaining our commitment to team member safety and food safety,” said Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer.