RINGGOLD, Va. – Gov. Ralph Northam joined local and state officials Thursday as ground was broken for a new, multi-million dollar Tyson Foods’ facility near Danville.

Northam announced earlier that the $300 million manufacturing center will create more than 376 jobs at the Cane Creek Centre in Ringgold. The 325,000 square-foot facility represents a $300 million investment and is expected to be in operation in early 2023. It will be used primarily for the production of fully cooked Tyson chicken products.

“Tyson has a deep history in rural America, and they’ve set a national example on responding to COVID. Their employees are safer for it, and we’re thrilled to see the company put down roots in southern Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “The Danville-Pittsylvania County area has built a true economic development resurgence, and that continues to pay off with new jobs and investment from companies like Tyson. ”

Virginia’s poultry industry supports nearly 1,100 family farms and employs more than 17,500 Virginians,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring.

Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and expanded under three generations of family leadership, Tyson Foods’ products include brands like Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp, and State Fair.

Based in Springdale, Arkansas, Tyson has nearly 140,000 employees, including more than 2,000 across the state of Virginia.

Tyson Foods has also committed to purchase approximately 60 million pounds of Virginia-grown chicken over the next three years.