Tyson Foods beef-processing plant in Lexington officially closes it doors

LEXINGTON, Neb. (KLKN) — It’s a day more than 3,000 workers in Lexington have been dreading: they’re out of a job.

The Tyson Foods meatpacking plant closed its doors on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: Tyson Foods announces closure of beef-processing plant in Lexington

Experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln said the estimated economic impact could exceed $3 billion.

The City of Lexington has been working hard to prepare the community for the closure, including job fairs and support for living expenses.

The Lexington Community Foundation announced its emergency assistance program — including financial support, connections to job resources, and support services for families affected by the closure.

Foundation leaders said their goal is simple: making sure no family faces this moment alone.

Workforce agencies like the American Job Center are also expected to step in with job fairs, training programs, and unemployment assistance in the coming weeks.

According to Governor Jim Pillen, Tyson has been looking into converting the plant into a case-ready meat plant and should have an answer by the beginning of March.