As part of strategic efforts to reduce the production of commodity chicken, Tyson has sold its processing plants in Ashland and Gadsden to Koch Foods Incorporated of Park Ridge, Illinois. The sale also includes the company’s Talladega feed mill, as well as its Fairknoll and Empire hatcheries.

“We determined it made sense to sell these commodity operations since our company has become more focused on value-added chicken production, which typically involves producing boneless, marinated or cooked products,” said Tyson senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, Bill Lovette. “Our sincere thanks to the Team Members and communities associated with the operations involved in the sale. We appreciate their support over the years and hope these facilities continue to operate successfully.”

The Gadsden and Ashland poultry complexes had been part of Tyson Foods for more than 20 years.