In 2005, Tyson Deli in Cherokee had started its smokehouse expansion project on the east side of the plant in Cherokee, IA. In 2009, the company finished phase two of that expansion project with the addition of four new slicing lines and a spiral ham line.

The new lines were in operation by July 09 and with the result of those new lines Tyson added an estimated 225 jobs last year.

The new slicing lines are housed in an area of the plant that was previously home to the Pressed Ham Departments. Pre-formed Hams were made, cooked, taken out of molds, re-cooked and packaged in this area of the plant.

According to Plant Manager Jerry Menke, this section was remodeled with a $5 million dollar upgrade. The new slicing lines are able to slice and package various types of deli-meats.

Currently, Tyson has the west side of the plant devoted to slicing products and specialty meats, and a bulk hot dog line.

"We are very fortunate that we're in an environment that the company wants to invest in Cherokee's future," Menke added. "I'm glad we're growing and the plant is full and is utilized. We forget that we are growing when so many other are closing," said Menke

Menke also estimates that in the near future the company will still be hiring 75 to 100 more people due to retirements, turnover and increases in business.

This Tyson plant is also working on a new Turkey Bacon project and plant officials estimate that it would bring in about three million pounds per year of product.

Plus, the plant has an all-natural ham product that Tyson has been working on for the last five years and getting that perfected - both signs of things to come out of Tyson in 2010.