A longtime food manufacturing facility in Rome is set to shut down later this spring, according to an announcement from Tyson Foods. The plant, located on Darlington Drive, has been producing Nature Valley granola bars in recent years. Company officials said the decision to close the site follows a review of its operations and business model.
In a statement, Tyson representatives said the Rome facility operates under a single-customer production structure, which is no longer sustainable due to recent changes impacting the business.
The company has not released how many employees will be affected or provided a specific closing date. However, officials acknowledged the closure will have a significant impact on workers and the surrounding community.
Tyson said it is working to assist employees during the transition, including encouraging them to apply for other roles within the company. The company also plans to coordinate with state and local agencies to provide additional support services.
The Darlington Drive plant has a long history in Rome, dating back more than five decades. It first opened in 1972 as Coosa Baking Company and has changed ownership several times over the years, including stints under major food producers such as Sara Lee Corporation.
In 2014, Tyson acquired the facility as part of its $8.5 billion purchase of Hillshire Brands. Prior to its current operations, the plant manufactured a variety of baked goods, including cookies, pies, macaroons and wafers.
At one point, the facility employed hundreds of workers and transitioned into granola bar production in the early 2000s.
