Tyson Foods lays off workers at Wilkesboro processing plant

Wilkesboro town officials say Tyson Foods Inc. has laid off more than 100 employees at its Wilkesboro processing plant.

Tyson, the largest employer in Wilkes County, announced in a prepared statement that they are reducing the number of second-shift employees due to lower customer demand. 

Company officials say that team members working the second shift will have the opportunity to take other positions at the Wilkesboro plant as well as other facilities.

In a statement on its fiscal-year fourth-quarter earnings, Tyson reported a loss of $450 million. For the year, that figure was $648 million. 

Wilkesboro town officials say that they were informed of the layoffs more than a month ago.

State Commerce Department officials say the company did not file a WARN Act notice, but the agency is aware of the situation. NCWorks, the state’s employment agency, has staff members assisting affected workers.