The Hillshire Brands turkey processing plant in Storm Lake is back in business after a fire idled the facility for eight months. The turkey plant was severely damaged in March by an accidental fire.
There were no injuries in the fire, but damage to the plant was extensive and portions required major renovations before it could safely operate. After the fire, management announced all Storm Lake employees would continue to be paid and receive medical benefits as the plant was being rebuilt. Many employees were involved in cleanup and rebuilding efforts. After more than six months of rebuilding, the plant is now partially open for business. Currently, the turkey plant’s white meat turkey processing area is up and running.
The dark meat operations are expected to resume in January. The facility will employ about 700 people when it returns to full production. The turkey plant became part of Tyson Foods in late August when Hillshire Brands was acquired by Tyson Foods.
(Reporting by Joel Hermann, KAYL, Storm Lake)
