Tyson Mexican Original growing locally

Tyson Mexican Original is growing.

The company’s Portland plant is in the process of a $6 million expansion and upgrade.

The project, which started at the beginning of October, will add roughly 8,500 square feet to the south side of the plant.

Plant manager Joe Acker said the expansion closes out the process of upgrading the factory’s production lines.

“Absolutely I’m excited,” Acker said. “This will make operations safer and more efficient. I think it positions us well to both service our customer and ensure the long term viability of our operation.”

In addition to the expansion, the plant is also replacing one of its heat press flour tortilla lines.

Out of the seven flour tortillas production lines, six have been replaced in recent years. The one currently being replaced was  still using original equipment from when the factory opened in 1994.

On a daily basis, the plant makes approximately 750,000 tortillas. Acker said that the new production line will be modernized and provide a higher quality product.

The 8,500 square feet added to the building will provide additional warehouse space that was lost because of the flour tortilla production line replacement.

The additional space will serve as cold storage to hold finished products before they are shipped to retailers. 

Acker said so far the expansion is going according to plan and he expects the project to be complete at the end of December. 

“This closes out the replacement of the original equipment and most importantly provides us with the space necessary in the packaging area for improved team member safety and improved line efficiency.”