Tyson Foods Inc. is investing $59.7 million to expand its distribution center in Pottsville, Penn., a move that will add jobs, improve efficiency and support the company’s plans for growth.

The project, which will begin this summer, includes construction of a 164,000-square foot addition to the existing facility. The Pottsville distribution center currently serves retail and foodservice customers in the Northeast region, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2018 and will add 114 jobs, bringing total employment at the distribution center to about 220.

“This expansion will allow us to better service our customers and ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands from one distribution center. New technology will also improve team member safety while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Gregg Uecker, senior vice president of network planning and integration. “We thank the Department of Community and Economic Development for their help on this project and continued support of our efforts to grow in the community.”

Tyson Foods received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $46,400 WEDnet grant and $228,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs.

“I’m proud to announce that Tyson Foods will expand and create 114 family-sustaining jobs in Schuylkill County,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said. “The company is investing heavily in its future in Pennsylvania with its own $59.7 million capital investment. The I-81 corridor has become an extremely attractive location for food processors, and I applaud Tyson Foods for choosing to grow right here in Pennsylvania.”

Source: Tyson Foods Inc.