Tyson Foods Inc. confirmed a report of a layoff taking place at its Wilkesboro, NC, poultry processing plant.

The project added an 8-acre solar field to the site, which is projected to generate 3.2 million kilowatt hours per year.

The company said it would provide “a range of protein products,” including beef, pork, lamb, seafood, and added-value products.

It was unclear what caused the blast, and the extent of the injuries was unknown.

The Smithfield facility produces dried sausage, pepperoni and salami and employs around 500 workers.

Closing the plant will impact 863 employees, along with chicken growers, farmers and truckers, among other people in the poultry supply chain.

Smithfield will be closing 35 Missouri hog farms.

With the investment Café Valley said it will add 83 jobs at the Marion plant.

The company said the Drummondville facility resumed operations the week of June 19.

Stellar, a construction, engineering and mechanical firm, provided details on Swift Prepared Foods' new $200-million processing plant.