The City of Perry is helping in any way possible to assist former Tyson Foods employees that were recently laid off following the closure of the plant in Dallas County.

When Tyson made the announcement to close the Perry Pork Plant on March 11th, the City of Perry began this initiative called “PerryNext” to be a collective effort between the city, county, and state officials to work on the next steps in order to proceed. Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson shares that the city recently approved a scope of services with the company Bolton & Menk to help PerryNext on recovery strategies. 

“So really focusing on the economic development side of things, not only supporting the businesses that are here in Perry and ensuring their success in the future, but also attracting new businesses to the industrial park and that shell building. And then identifying other sites around Perry that we could attract new businesses too.”

Peterson points out that while gathering new businesses is great, an emphasis is being put on the housing market to affirm that housing is safe and affordable. He is also hoping for good standards within the school district.

“All the way from daycare opportunities into the K-12 school systems, and then working with DMACC and university partners as well to make sure we have the right mix of education opportunities for our current residents and any future residents that we might have in Perry.”

Peterson feels optimistic about a new employer stepping in to take over the vacant plant after Tyson, and believes that it will happen in a reasonable amount of time.