Tyson Invests in Rendering, Dynamic Fuels

US - Tyson Foods has acquired Central Industries, a poultry by-products rendering company. The company has also started construction of a dynamic fuels plant.
calendar icon 22 January 2009
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Meatingplace reports that Tyson Foods said it has completed the acquisition of Central Industries, a poultry by-products rendering company in Forest, Mississippi, which produces the raw materials used to produce pet food and other animal feeds, as well as biodiesel.

Tyson previously held a 49 per cent ownership position in Central Industries.

"We believe 100 per cent ownership will enhance the efficiency of the business and generate a greater financial return," said Jeff Webster, group vice president of Tyson's Renewable Products Division in a statement. "It will also give our rendered products business greater access to the southeastern US market."

Tyson officials currently expect to make very few changes in total employment at the Central Industries plant, which currently has about 180 people on staff.

"Central has historically had a very good team and we look forward to welcoming them into our Renewable Products Group," Mr Webster said.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, according to Meatingplace.

Construction underway on dynamic fuels plant

Initial construction is underway in Geismar, Louisiana, for the new plant being built by Dynamic Fuels, a joint venture of Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Corporation, Tyson officials reported recently.

Construction offices are now in place and concrete foundations are being poured for the new facility. The project remains on budget and on schedule for startup in early 2010. Once in operation, the new facility will use Syntroleum's Bio-SynfiningTM Technology to convert animal fats and greases provided by Tyson into ultra-clean renewable diesel and jet fuel.

"There has been great progress in the last 18 months since the formation of Dynamic Fuels, as we have gone from concept to actually pouring concrete for the first renewable synthetic fuels plant in the United States," said Jeff Bigger, senior vice president of business development for Syntroleum.

"With the support of the State of Louisiana, outstanding effort and teamwork from the people working day to day on the project and the support of both Tyson Foods and Syntroleum we have been able to maintain our original project budget, economics and schedule for the Geismar facility."

Jeff Webster, group vice president of Tyson's Renewable Products Division, said, "We're pleased with the progress made on this important renewable fuels project. Tyson is committed to revolutionizing the conversion of raw materials and by-products into high-margin initiatives, and the Dynamic Fuels venture is a cornerstone of this corporate strategy."

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