Tyson Foods has selected its Monroe, N.C., poultry processing facility for a $5 million equipment investment that has the potential to create additional jobs. The facility currently employs around 1,500 people and has an annual payroll of about $50 million.

The announcement comes approximately one month after the Union County Board of Commissioners and the Monroe City Council awarded separate grants potentially worth a combined $225,000.

“Tyson Foods is encouraged by the strong support the community has shown toward this project, and we are proud to announce we will be making this investment in Monroe,” said Jonathan Edwards, complex manager for the Monroe facility.

Tyson has owned the plant since 1989, when it acquired the facility from Holly Farms.

“Tyson Foods has bene an employer in our city for decades,” stated Bobby Kilgore, mayor of Monroe. “We are so glad the support we demonstrated has resulted in our winning this latest project and securing even more employment opportunities for years to come.”

The expansion is expected to add approximately 50 new jobs.