Another major food manufacturing closure is hitting Georgia, with Tyson Foods confirming plans to shut down one of its prepared foods facilities. The move will result in 168 layoffs and adds to a growing list of industry cutbacks in 2026.
Layoffs approaching
Tyson Foods is set to permanently close its prepared foods plant in Rome, Georgia, according to notices filed with state officials and multiple reports. The facility, located on Darlington Drive, is operated under The Hillshire Brands Company, a Tyson subsidiary. The closure is scheduled for May 31, 2026.
All 168 employees at the site are expected to be impacted by the shutdown. The layoffs include workers across production and support roles tied to the plant’s operations.
Company cites business changes
In a statement, Tyson said the Rome facility had operated under a “unique single-customer model,” but recent changes made continued operations no longer viable. The company did not publicly identify the customer involved.
Tyson said it is encouraging affected workers to apply for open roles at other company locations and is working with state and local partners to support employees during the transition.
Long history at the site
The Rome plant has longstanding ties to food manufacturing in the region. Reports indicate the building originally opened in 1972 as Coosa Baking Co. Tyson gained the facility through its 2014 acquisition of Hillshire Brands.
Another sign of pressure in food manufacturing
The closure comes as food companies continue to streamline operations amid shifting demand, rising costs, and efforts to improve efficiency. For Rome, the loss of 168 jobs represents another significant blow to local manufacturing employment in 2026.
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