On Monday, Sen. Chuck Grassley asked the head of Tyson Foods, Inc., to work with community leaders to restore jobs at the now-defunct Tyson meat processing plant in Cherokee. Grassley became involved after seeing coverage in the Cherokee Chronicle Times and the Des Moines Register and hearing from city officials who asked if he might weigh in. Today Tyson Foods, Inc. announced that it will offer to buy out the company’s lease of the plant and give the owner complete control over finding a new tenant. It appears that if the owner accepts the offer, the city would be clear to find another employer to occupy the facility. Grassley made the following comment on this development.
“This appears to be great news for the people of Cherokee. The job loss when the plant closed was significant, and a vacant plant has been a frustration for the community. I hope the announcement will lead to continued progress toward a new employer’s taking over the facility and restoring jobs and adding economic vitality in Cherokee. I also hope Iowans will continue to call on me whenever I might be able to help bring people together to reach solutions for public benefit.”
The Tyson letter to Grassley is available here. Grassley’s letter earlier in the week is available here.
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