As part of an ongoing plan to maximize efficiencies and meet growing demand for its products, Tyson Foods Inc. said it is making major improvements to its Robards, Ky., poultry plant. The capital improvement project, valued at $13.5 million, will bolster the future of the operation and is expected to create an additional 66 jobs in Robards.

“Tyson is once again proving its strong commitment to Kentucky's economy. The jobs created by this investment from one of the most recognized names in protein production, will further strengthen Kentucky’s thriving food and beverage industry,” Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin said. “We’re proud that Tyson Foods and its employees help feed the world from Robards, Ky. We are grateful that the company’s growing presence will continue to support Henderson County’s economy.”

The Robards plant produces chicken under the Tyson brand for sale to retail customers throughout the region and nationally. The new expansion will allow the company to upgrade its product mix to meet growing consumer demand.

Improvements that are expected to be completed by January 2017 include new freezer equipment and the addition of two production lines, as well as processes and technology designed to benefit food safety, quality and workplace safety.

To assist Tyson Foods with the expansion, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) is providing tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The state also will help with new and existing employee training programs through the Kentucky Skills Network program to assist the company in building and maintaining its workforce.

“This is an investment in our plant and in our people,” said Noel White, president of poultry for Tyson Foods. “We appreciate doing business in Kentucky and thank the KEDFA for all it has done to make this project possible.”

In an effort to fully staff the plant when the project is completed, the company will begin reviewing qualified applicants immediately. Those interested in employment are encouraged to visit TysonFoodsCareers.com and complete an application. Many of the positions will be filled before the project is done so new workers will have an opportunity for job training.

Tyson Foods acquired the Robards plant in 1998. The facility currently employs about 1,200 people, generating an annual payroll of more than $40 million. Additionally, the company paid family farmers more than $31.9 million during its 2015 fiscal year (the most recent full fiscal year figure available) to grow chickens to supply the plant and other area operations.