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During a time when several manufacturing facilities had none out of business or downsized in Obion County in Northwest Tennessee, the Tyson chicken plant, now in its third year of production, was a welcome addition to Union City.
"We've had a dramatic impact on unemployment in the area," says Eddie Chancellor, complex manager for the plant. "When we first came here there were several industries that had shut down."
The plant, which currently employs 1,200 people, was built by Tyson Foods in 1996 to produce processed chicken products.
The first of three phases of production began in May 1997, says Amanda Ford, human resources manager for the plant.
"Starting up a plant is like nothing you could ever imagine," says Ford. The. Obion County facility, located about 130 miles north of Memphis, is dedicated to producing further processed products for its main customer, McDonald's restaurants.
Further processed food are foods that are value added, such as chicken nuggets or patties that are breaded, says Chancellor.
Tyson Foods produces half of the chicken products for McDonald's and the Obion County facility is one of two dedicated McDonald's facilities owned by Tyson Foods.
The other half of chicken products made for McDonald's are produced by Equity Keystone Foods, the facility's main competitor.
In addition, the plant also sells chicken products such as drumsticks and chicken feet, or paws, in Asian countries.
"Paws are considered a delicacy in Asian countries much like caviar is to Americans," says Chancellor.
The Union City plant...