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Kentucky now known for bacon, as well as bourbon, after Tyson breaks ground on Warren Co. plant

Lisa Autry

Tyson Foods is expanding its footprint in Kentucky with a new manufacturing facility in Bowling Green. State and local leaders attended a groundbreaking on Wednesday at the Kentucky Transpark.

Tyson is investing $355 million in the project, making it one of largest investments in Warren County history. The 400,000 square-foot facility will employ 450 workers who will produce Jimmy Dean products and Wright brand bacon. The Warren County plant will produce 100 million pounds of bacon a year.

Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles celebrated the company’s expansion in the state.

“We don’t have to worry about a bacon shortage in Kentucky. Our states ranks 17th nationally in swine production and we have 1,600 operations right here," Quarles said. "With your investment, Kentucky will be known for bourbon, horses, and as a politician, I dare say pork.”

Tyson already has operations in Claryville, Albany, and Robards, Ky. The company currently employs more than 3,900 people throughout the commonwealth.

Construction on the Bowling Green facility should be complete late next year. Tyson Foods produces pork, chicken and beef products for customers worldwide.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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