Workers on the killing floor of the Tyson Fresh Meats plant clocked out for the last time Thursday afternoon, one day before the plant’s final closure.
Outside the gates of the factory, hugs, handshakes and selfies were frequent as the laborers said goodbye and went their separate ways.
The Iowa Pork Co. opened in Perry in 1962 and was promptly bought out by Iowa Beef Processors Inc. (IBP) and then Oscar Mayer in 1965. IBP reacquired the factory in 1988 and merged with Tyson Foods Inc. in 2001. The factory has long been Perry’s largest employer.
