The Tyson Pork Processing Plant in Perry, Iowa, a longstanding institution since the 1960s, has officially closed its doors as of Friday, June 28. This closure represents a significant shift for the community, affecting both the local economy and the lives of many residents who have long relied on the plant for employment.
Jay Johnson, a former Tyson employee, shared his feelings about the plant’s last shift. “It was kind of surreal. But you know, it was a good shift,” Johnson remarked. Despite the closure, Johnson remains hopeful about his future. He has been actively applying for new jobs and plans to rely on unemployment benefits while searching for another position. His deep connections to Perry, especially his involvement with his local church, have cemented his decision to stay in town. “I thought about it. But I am pretty established in my church and everything,” he explained.
However, not all former Tyson employees share Johnson’s optimism about staying in Perry. Jean Claude Loveland, another worker affected by the plant’s closure, has decided to leave Perry and move to Tennessee. This exodus of workers is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy, which has long depended on the plant’s workforce.
Emily Leslie, a local small business owner, voiced her concerns about the potential economic fallout from the departure of former Tyson employees. “As a small business, we have the option of a single day to pivot,” Leslie noted, highlighting the immediate challenges that local businesses face in adapting to the sudden change in the community’s economic landscape.
Civic leaders, including Rachel Wacker from the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, are acutely aware of these challenges. Wacker emphasized the importance of supporting the displaced workers, noting that a significant portion of the plant’s workforce resides in Perry. “What we are working on now is really focusing on these people. Because 60 percent of the workforce lives in Perry,” she stated. The Alliance is working to provide various forms of assistance, including rental, utility, and food insecurity support, to help former employees during this transition.
In addition to immediate aid, long-term support is also being offered. The DMACC VanKirk Career Academy in downtown Perry is organizing job fairs and providing resources for those seeking to change careers. Eddie Diaz, the site director, outlined the Academy’s efforts, saying, “Primarily in the long-term training. Trying to provide classes to help these impacted employees find their next career.” These initiatives are designed to equip former Tyson workers with new skills and opportunities in the evolving job market.
The closure of the Tyson plant is a significant event for Perry, bringing an end to an era and posing substantial challenges for the community. The plant has been a cornerstone of the local economy, and its shutdown affects not only the employees but also the broader network of businesses and services that supported the plant and its workers. However, the response from local organizations and businesses demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting those affected and helping the community adapt to these changes.
While the future remains uncertain, the collaborative efforts of local leaders, businesses, and educational institutions offer a beacon of hope. Through these combined efforts, Perry aims to overcome the challenges posed by the plant’s closure and build a resilient future for its residents.