> The Donald J Trump economy: Joslin Tyson foods plant to close today, zero notice given to workers.

JOSLIN, Ill. (KWQC) - Tyson Foods announced they are closing their Joslin, Illinois, plant on Thursday.

A letter was sent out to employees on Thursday informing them their job duties will end on Thursday or Friday.

Some employees may be asked to continue certain operations past Aug. 14, they will be separately notified by management.

The letter states those employees will be compensated through Oct. 12, 2026.

Illinois officials said about 2,500 union workers lost their jobs with the closure.

Watch below as a line of cars was seen leaving the plant on Thursday, about 30 minutes after the official closing announcement.

One worker who has worked at the plant for 11 years told KWQC she was shocked to be told without notice.

“The old CEO stepped down, a new CEO stepped in. He came here and evaluated our plant and he chose to close our plant without any notice for us, any notice for our union people. It’s just devastating. All these people without jobs,” said Rita Newton.

In an online statement, Tyson also said they will be closing its Eagle Mountain, Utah, facility and are planning to sell its Pasco, Washington facility.

    The company will end operations at its Joslin, Illinois, beef facility and its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility. Capacity from these locations will be moved to more strategically located facilities with ample capacity to grow. Additionally, Tyson Foods is pursuing the sale of its Pasco, Washington, beef facility. With these changes, the company will ramp back up a second shift at its Amarillo, Texas facility as cattle become available. Collectively, these changes will allow the company to maintain a similar level of cattle harvesting across a more efficient and modern network.
    Tyson Foods

Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce released a statement following the closure:

    The closure of the Tyson Foods facility is difficult news for the Quad Cities region, particularly for the employees and families affected and the many people connected to the operation.

    Even as the community feels the impact of this announcement, the Quad Cities economy remains resilient. The region is supported by a diverse mix of industries, including advanced manufacturing, logistics, food production, health care, technology and professional services. That economic diversity positions the Quad Cities for long-term stability and growth.
    Peter Tokar III, President & CEO, Grow Quad Cities

Illinois officials called this a devastating loss for the region:

    “Today’s news is devastating for the 2,500 skilled union workers impacted by the closure of the Tyson plant in Joslin, especially at a time when American families are struggling with the rising cost of living. In the coming weeks, we remain committed to supporting our union members during this transition and working with Tyson to ensure that they have access to resources that support their return to work.”
    Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Representative Eric Sorensen

The meatpacking plant processed beef. In the company’s third quarter report, the USDA projected domestic production of beef will decrease 3% this fiscal year.

Tyson’s report said they anticipate an operating loss of between $650 million and $500 million. They reported Tyson’s beef segment having a $138 million operating loss in Q3. Read the full report here.

https://www.kwqc.com/2026/08/13/tyson-a … t-closure/