South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) has announced that Tyson Foods will make several investments in the Perry community following the closure of its pork production plant in June 2024. The shutdown resulted in nearly 1,300 job losses and had a significant impact on local families, schools, and public services.

Nunn said, “Perry is a strong, tight-knit Iowa town that deserves accountability from its corporate partners. Businesses, like Tyson Foods, that serve rural communities have an obligation to honor the commitments they make. From day one, we’ve worked with the City of Perry and Dallas County leadership to ensure the community is receiving the support they need in a time of uncertainty. These investments are a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done. I will continue to partner with Perry’s local leaders and residents to advance new opportunities and sustain the community’s growth and success.”

Tyson Foods’ commitments come after months of advocacy and coordination efforts led by Nunn along with city and county officials. The company’s immediate contributions are aimed at supporting those affected by the plant closure.

Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson stated, “The Perry community is grateful for the energy and dedication Congressman Nunn has put forward to support us through the past two years. Together, we will all continue to work as a team with Tyson Foods to support our community members with their needs and forge a path with Tyson Foods to find the highest and best use for the Perry Facility to ensure a stable future, not only for Perry and our residents, but for the state as a whole.”

Rachel Wacker, Executive Director of Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, commented on Nunn’s involvement: “Congressman Nunn’s immediate and continued commitment to addressing the community’s concerns following the Tyson closure has been critical as Perry’s public services, schools, and economy work to recover from this devastating loss and repair the damage created by the ripple effect of losing nearly 1300 jobs. His efforts to hold Tyson accountable and urge the company to be part of the solution are both essential and encouraging. Nunn’s advocacy has brought meaningful momentum to Perry’s economic recovery, with a clear focus on supporting the families and businesses that call Perry home.”

Nunn remains engaged with local leaders as efforts continue for both short-term relief measures and long-term economic development initiatives.