US food producer Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) will no longer produce beef at its Denison, Iowa facility, bringing to an end the 54-year history of the plant.
The company has closed the plant as it comes to terms with an excess of beef production capacity in the region.
"This was a very difficult decision because it affects the lives of our people, their families and a community that has supported this plant for more than 50 years," said Steve Stouffer, president of Tyson Fresh Meats, a division of Tyson Foods.
"However, the realities of the beef business have changed and we must continue to change with it to remain successful."
The by-product rendering system at the Denison plant will continue operations, however, processing by-products from other Tyson locations.
The 400 workers at the Denison plant will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs elsewhere in the Tyson organisation.
The plant has been in operation since 1961.
Tyson's shares were up a shade in lunchtime trading.