Tyson Foods will invest $15.5 million to add four production lines and expand cold storage capabilities at its Tyson Fresh Meats facility at 201 Cartwright Dr. in Goodlettsville.

The nation’s second-largest food processor produces case-ready beef and pork products for grocery stores and other retailers at the plant, which already employs roughly 1,600 workers.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said: “I want to thank Tyson Foods for investing in our state and creating these high quality jobs for Middle Tennessee.

“When well-established companies like Tyson Foods choose to expand and reinvest in our state, it sends a strong message that Tennessee is one of the best places to do business and supports our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said: “One of the reasons why Tennessee remains competitive when it comes to job creation is our emphasis on supporting incumbent industries’ sustained growth. Incumbent industry is the lifeblood of Tennessee's economy.

“Tyson Foods already employs a significant amount of Tennesseans at its facilities in our state, and I appreciate their continued support and investment.”

“We’re very appreciative to the state of Tennessee and our local partners for their support on this expansion, which will help us build up our capabilities locally,” Jeff Rowen, Goodlettsville complex manager for Tyson Fresh Meats, said.

“We are continuing to grow our business and adding these lines will help us better meet the needs of our customers.”

“Having called Goodlettsville home for several years now, it is great to see Tyson’s proven success by this expansion,” Goodlettsville City Manager Tim Ellis said.

“They are definitely a cornerstone of our city’s industrial success.”

Work has already begun to install the new equipment. Hiring is expected to begin in June for the newly created production jobs, all of which are full-time. Applications for employment should be filed with a Tennessee Workforce Development office.

Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries employ more than 4,300 Tennesseans at company facilities in Goodlettsville, Shelbyville and Union City.

They also support roughly 335 Tennessee farmers who raise chickens for the company’s poultry operations or supply the beef and pork operations with cattle and hogs.