A Tyson Foods, Inc. distribution center in Pottsville, Pa., will undergo a $59.7 million expansion. The company announced plans to build a 164,000-square-foot addition to the existing facility with the goal of improving efficiency and aiding Tyson’s plans for growth.

In support of the project, Tyson received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $46,400 WEDnet grant and $228,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of new jobs. Tyson expects the project will add 114 jobs, bringing total employment at the facility to roughly 220.

“This expansion will allow us to better service our customers and ship our complete portfolio of protein-packed brands from one distribution center,” said Gregg Uecker, senior vice-president of network planning and integration. “New technology will also improve team member safety while reducing our carbon footprint.”

The center currently serves retail and food service customers in the Northeast, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.