State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) issued the following statement after news broke on Thursday, August 13, 2026, that the Tyson Food Factory in Joslin, IL, in Rock Island County will close its doors as of August 14. The closure will result in the termination of over 2500 people. Terminated employees will be paid for the next 60 days.
“I am stunned and saddened by the news that Tyson Foods is closing after 43 years in Joslin. This is devastating to our region, to the families that depend on the income they receive from this factory, and to the communities who will bear the downstream impacts of this closure. I have asked Tyson Foods and others to work together to analyze potential repurposing of this facility for preserving jobs.
“Tyson Foods must honor its commitment to supporting the impacted employees through this transition, providing them with necessary resources and assistance to navigate this difficult situation. Local officials and community leaders are united in urging State agencies to assist with worker transition and support services, as well as facilitating avenues for economic revitalization for this impacted regional economy.”