The impending shutdown of Tyson Foods’ facility in Lexington is causing significant repercussions for local businesses.
A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter sent to state labor officials on Wednesday revealed that Fortrex, a company integral to Tyson’s operations, will be laying off its entire workforce of 139 employees in Lexington.
Fortrex, identified in the letter as a private sanitation contractor, has been providing services at Tyson’s Lexington plant since 2013. More information about the company can be found on their website.
The letter stated, “Recently, we received unforeseen notice from Tyson Foods, Inc. – Lexington that it has decided to end the contract at the Lexington, NE location meaning that Fortrex will cease services at this plant effective Jan. 20, 2026. This will result in the layoff or relocation of all eligible Fortrex team members at this plant.”
Previously known as Packers Sanitation Services Inc. (PSSI), Fortrex was penalized $1.5 million in 2023 by the Department of Labor for employing minors to handle hazardous equipment at various facilities, including the JBS plant in Grand Island.
Attempts to reach Fortrex officials for comments on Friday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Last week, Tyson disclosed plans to shut down the Lexington plant, which has a workforce exceeding 3,200, effective January 20.
While Tyson has not specified a reason for the closure, industry experts suggest it may be due to a reduction in cattle numbers and surplus capacity in the beef processing sector.
According to the Associated Press, Tyson anticipates a loss exceeding $600 million in beef production this year, following $720 million in losses related to beef over the prior two years.
The closure of Fortrex adds to the challenges facing Lexington, a town of around 10,000 residents located 35 miles west of Kearney.
Clay Patton, vice president of the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, described the Tyson plant closure as “a devastating shock to the area,” in an interview with Nebraska Public Media.
Patton elaborated, “This impacts everything from car dealerships, body shops, auto mechanics, restaurants, food trucks, hospitality, motels, hotels, grocery stores.”
