JOSLIN — State Senator Mike Halpin and Senate President Don Harmon have fought to support the Joslin community following the recent closing of Tyson Foods’ beef plant in the town.

“Illinois is home to a world-leading agriculture industry built on generations of hard work by farm families and the people who process, move and deliver what they produce,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “We know this is a challenging time for many of those families and workers. I appreciate Governor Pritzker moving quickly to put the state’s economic development resources to work and sending a clear message that Illinois is ready to compete for the businesses and quality jobs these communities deserve.”

Illinois has made resources available through the Invest in Illinois Fund to help attract potential buyers for the facility. The goal is to return the facility to productive use, support jobs and Illinois’ beef industry, sustain the Quad Cities Region’s economic activity and establish additional beef production capacity.

The closure of Tyson Foods’ Joslin facility affects almost 2,500 employees, but Illinois has mobilized its workforce and economic development resources to assist affected employees. Earlier this month, the state collaborated with local workforce providers to host a rapid response event in Moline. The event brought together more than 1,000 affected workers, employers and workforce partners from across the region, including participants from both Illinois and Iowa. Workers were able to meet directly with prospective employers and learn about available jobs, training programs, unemployment assistance and other support services.

Rapid response informational sessions were also offered throughout the event, with multiple sessions taking place simultaneously to accommodate affected workers’ language needs. Interpreters helped to ensure that workers could access and understand information about available services and opportunities.

“I’m pleased to see Governor Pritzker and DCEO taking action to bring new jobs and investment to the former Tyson facility in Joslin,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “When Tyson abruptly closed the plant with little warning, thousands of hardworking people and their families were left facing an uncertain future. This community deserves better, and I’m hopeful this investment will help attract a new employer, create good-paying jobs and bring greater economic stability back to the region.”

Despite challenges in the beef industry, the Joslin plant is a significant asset, featuring large-scale infrastructure, an experienced workforce, agricultural supply chain access and proximity to major transportation networks. These advantages could support continued food production or other industrial activity under a new operator.

The state’s support is intended to strengthen Illinois’ position in discussions with prospective buyers and help facilitate a transition that could preserve jobs, economic opportunity in the Quad Cities Region and Illinois’ beef industry.

Illinois Senate Democrats will continue to support workforce assistance for the Joslin community while the state engages with prospective buyers.