Tyson Foods' decision to close two North Philadelphia plants has left over 200 employees without jobs. In a notice this week, the company announced the shuttering of the Original Philly Raw plant on E. Hunting Park Avenue on Dec. 13 and the Original Philly Cooked plant at 4001 N. American St. on Jan. 31. These plants, acquired by Tyson in 2017 from Original Philly Holdings, Inc. and producing meats for cheesesteaks, initially employed more than 250 people across both locations. Original Philly started as the Roxborough Meat Co. in 1981 in Philadelphia's Roxborough section.A spokesperson for Tyson Foods did not promptly respond to a request for comment. However, Vice President of Company Operations Scott Shipferling told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the closures are part of the company's business strategy to operate more efficiently.Tyson also announced the closure of a Kansas meat plant that employs over 800 people. This comes after thousands of layoffs since Tyson closed six chicken plants in the US and an Iowa pork plant starting in 2023. The company has been facing challenges in beef production as the nation's cattle herd has shrunk to its smallest size in decades. Tyson's beef business reported an adjusted loss of $291 million in its 2024 fiscal year ending in September, compared to $233 million in fiscal year 2023.WHYY is your go-to source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we depend on the financial support of readers like you. Please make a donation today.Tyson's Impact on Philadelphia's Meat Industry
The closures of these Tyson plants in Philadelphia have significant implications for the local meat industry. These plants were not only major employers but also played a crucial role in supplying meats for cheesesteaks, a beloved Philadelphia delicacy. With their closures, there will be a void in the local market that will need to be filled. It remains to be seen how this will affect local businesses that rely on these meats and the overall economy of the area.The decision by Tyson to close these plants also raises questions about the future of the meat industry in Philadelphia. Will other companies step in to fill the void? How will this affect the prices of meats in the region? These are questions that need to be addressed as the community grapples with the aftermath of these closures.National Implications of Tyson's Closures
Tyson's closures extend beyond Philadelphia and have national implications. The company's struggles in beef production, as evidenced by the dwindling cattle herd and adjusted losses in its beef business, highlight the challenges facing the meat industry on a larger scale. The closures of multiple plants across different states, including the Kansas plant and the six chicken plants in the US, indicate a broader trend of consolidation and restructuring within the industry.This trend raises concerns about the stability of the meat supply chain and the impact on workers and communities across the country. As Tyson and other major meat producers make these decisions, it is important to consider the ripple effects on local economies and the livelihoods of those affected.WHYY's Role in Covering Local and National News
WHYY plays a crucial role in covering local and national news, especially in times of significant events like Tyson's plant closures. As a nonprofit organization, WHYY relies on the support of readers to provide fact-based, in-depth journalism. By covering these stories, WHYY helps to keep the community informed and provides a platform for discussion and analysis.In the case of Tyson's closures, WHYY can explore the various aspects of the story, from the economic impact on employees and local businesses to the broader implications for the meat industry. Through its journalism, WHYY can help to shed light on these issues and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of the industry.
