Tyson Foods confirmed to Feedstuffs that it is closing its further processing plant in Columbia, S.C. The plant, which employed approximately 150 people, made taco meat and pizza toppings.

“After much consideration and as part of ongoing efforts to increase efficiency in our business, we plan to discontinue operations at our Columbia, S.C., plant in mid-August,” a company spokesperson stated. “We’ve made this very difficult decision in order to continue focusing on and investing in strategic growth priorities.”

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 did not influence this decision, the company added.

Tyson said it intends to cooperate with state officials to ensure that the employees affected by the closure are informed about unemployment benefits and any potential opportunities within the company. Additionally, the spokesperson said workers are welcome to apply for other openings within the company.