JBS is expanding in Saudi Arabia, planning on boosting production at its Jeddah plant by the end of the year. Tyson Foods is keeping its Lexington (Nebraska) plant—originally slated for closure—alive a little longer: 292 workers, out of a total of 3,200, will thus continue to have work for some time before being laid off.
JBS grows in Saudi Arabia
JBS intends to double production at its new plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2026. The world’s largest meat company has invested 85 million dollars in the country since 2021. From the Jeddah facility, JBS already exports meat‑based products to countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. By starting production last year, JBS managed to quadruple its overall production capacity in Saudi Arabia, where it produces and sells beef and chicken products under the Seara brand. This move should also be seen as a response to actions taken by competitor MBRF in the area. As reported by Reuters, MBRF has strengthened its agreement with a local company and plans to bring a production facility—also in Jeddah—online in the first half of this year.
Tyson saves 292 workers
Tyson Foods announced in November that it would close its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, around January 20, 2026. The company confirmed that layoffs affecting 3,200 people have begun, but it also said it would extend the jobs of 292 employees for a period ranging from 3 to 185 days to carry out tasks related to the plant’s shutdown. Less than half of these employees will remain on duty beyond the end of the month. “During this transition period, some limited processing will continue at our Lexington facility”, Tyson said.
Photo from JBS
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