Tyson Foods Inc. said is investing $59 million to expand its distribution center in Macon, Ga. -- a move that will add jobs, improve efficiency and support the company’s plans for growth.

The project, which will begin this summer, includes a 152,000 sq. ft. addition to the existing facility. The Macon distribution center currently serves retail and foodservice customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The expansion, to be completed in late 2018, is expected to add more than 100 jobs, bringing total employment at the distribution center to almost 240 people.

“The expansion of our Macon distribution center is part of our focus on continuous improvement and commitment to customer service,” said Gregg Uecker, senior vice president of network planning and integration for Tyson Foods. “This expansion will allow us to ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands to customers from one distribution center while also improving team member safety and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s great news for our customers, our community, our team members and our environment.”

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert thanked Tyson Foods for its continued and expanding investment in the area and for recognizing the benefit of the location in the state. “We are the hub city of middle Georgia, and it’s becoming more apparent to business and industry that we serve as one for this entire region of the United States.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development commissioner Pat Wilson said the announcement is not only a win for Macon but for the entire state. “The growth of our existing industries is critically important to our state’s overall economic well-being. I am confident that Tyson Foods will not only meet but exceed the needs of their customers with this expansion,” Wilson said.