NASHVILLE, TENN. — An expansion of a Tyson Foods Inc. poultry processing plant in Union City, Tenn., is now complete, said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Work on the project began earlier this year, but announcements and construction were delayed due to the global pandemic, the company said.

The project — which included expanding the current harvesting area and added more processing lines — added 40,000 square feet to the existing facility and represents a total investment of $87.6 million. The plant and supporting facilities originally were built in Obion County by Tyson, and operations began there 20 years ago. This most recent construction is the second expansion of the Union City facility since 2017, when Tyson announced an investment of $80 million.

“Customer and consumer demand for protein continues to increase so we’ve invested almost $200 million in recent years for projects that build on our strengths, expand our capabilities and increase our capacity,” said Keith Riley, manager of the Union City Tyson Foods complex. “Expansions like this help position us to grow and support our customers, and we’re glad we’ve been able to do them in Tennessee.”

Tyson employs more than 1,600 in Obion County. The company also operates facilities in Goodlettsville, Newbern, Shelbyville and Humboldt, employing more than 5,500 workers in Tennessee.

“This large investment by Tyson Foods will have a very positive spillover effect on our communities,” said Senator John Stevens of Tennessee. “Governor Lee, our legislature and our county officials have worked diligently to attract investment and break down barriers to job growth, and it is producing results. It is also testament to the great people who make up our local workforce. I congratulate all who worked to bring these new jobs home.”