Tyson’s New High-Tech Plant Taps Robotics and Workforce Safety Wearables
Tyson Foods has opened its most-automated plant yet. The company’s new $300 million fully-cooked food production location features workforce safety devices and robotics-powered pallets.
Located in Danville, Va., the facility will implement wearable armband devices that track worker health, safety, and productivity — the first at-scale integration of its kind at Tyson. Frontline associates will be able to leverage sensors with environmental data inputs to identify exposure to workplace risks.
Wes Morris, group president, Poultry, at Tyson Foods, said in a statement that the technology taps real-time intelligence and incorporates it into the company’s processes, products, and workplace experience for team members.
“The combination of our team and technology at Danville will strengthen our ability to better meet demand for retail and foodservice for fully-cooked Tyson brand products,” said Morris.
Additionally, the Tyson Foods plant is using high-speed automated case packing lines with robotic case palletizing units to expedite processes and increase operational efficiency and team member safety.
Other tech implementations include x-ray and vision grading to maintain quality assurance.
The plant creates nearly 400 new jobs and will produce about 4 million pounds of fully-cooked poultry products.
“This plant is a significant step toward our ongoing goal of operational excellence by investing in innovative technology and automation,” said Donnie King, president and CEO, Tyson Foods. “This facility delivers on our commitment to ensuring best in class service for our customers and accelerating our long-term growth.”
