Tyson Foods, Inc. is investing $59 million to expand its distribution center in Macon, a move that will add jobs, improve efficiency and support the company’s plans for growth.

The project, which will begin this summer, includes a 152,000-square foot addition to the existing facility. The Macon distribution center currently serves retail and foodservice customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2018 and is expected to add more than 100 jobs, bringing total employment at the distribution center to almost 240.

“The expansion of our Macon distribution center is part of our focus on continuous improvement and commitment to customer service,” said Gregg Uecker, senior vice president of network planning and integration. “This expansion will allow us to ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands to customers from one distribution center, while also improving team member safety and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s great news for our customers, our community, our team members and our environment.”

“Tyson Foods has been a great “Partner in the Park” in our 1-75 Business Park. Their core values and strong commitment to community outreach aligns with ours,” said MBCIA Chairman Cliffard Whitby. “This new business expansion provides an even greater impact to our burgeoning reputation as a national ‘City of Transformation’. We are helping businesses to transform as they expand in our business-friendly environment.”

“I’m delighted to thank Tyson Foods for their continued and expanding investment in our community, and for recognizing the benefit our location in the state and southeast has on their operation,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “We are the hub city of Middle Georgia, and it’s becoming more apparent to business and industry that we serve as one for this entire region of the United States.”

“Congratulations to Tyson Foods, Inc. on this expansion news,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Not only is this announcement a win for Macon, but for the entire state. The growth of our existing industries is critically important to our state’s overall economic well-being. I am confident that Tyson Foods will not only meet, but exceed the needs of their customers with this expansion.”