Tyson Foods has plans to expand its distribution centre in Macon, Georgia, US, with a $59m investment.

This expansion is expected to create new employment opportunities, and improve the efficiency and support the company’s plans for growth.

Works are expected to begin later this year and will see the addition of 152,000ft² to the existing facility.

The distribution centre currently serves retail and foodservice customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

Tyson Foods network planning and integration senior vice-president Gregg Uecker said: “The expansion of our Macon distribution centre is part of our focus on continuous improvement and commitment to customer service.

“This expansion will allow us to ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands to customers from one distribution centre, while also improving team member safety and reducing our carbon footprint. It’s great news for our customers, our community, our team members and our environment.”

The expansion of the distribution centre is expected to be completed by next year.

once the expansion is complete, the facility will create more than 100 jobs, thereby taking the count of total employees at the distribution centre to nearly 240.

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert said: “I’m delighted to thank Tyson Foods for their continued and expanding investment in our community, and for recognising the benefit our location in the state and South-East has on their operation.

“We are the hub city of Middle Georgia, and it’s becoming more apparent to business and industry that we serve as one for this entire region of the US.”

Arkanasas-based Tyson Foods holds brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells and State Fair.