The Early Days (1930s)
The Tyson Foods story begins during one of the most difficult periods of American history -- The Great Depression. In 1931, John W. Tyson moves his wife and small son to Springdale, Ark., in search of new opportunities. He finds them, thousands of them, all feathered and squawking. He begins delivering chickens to larger markets in the Midwest.
Chicken Boom (1940s)
During World War II, food rationing becomes an everyday reality. Poultry, however, is not rationed, and demand grows fast. John moves into the business of raising chicks and grinding feed for local chicken farmers.
Budding Businessman (1950s)
At 22, Don Tyson, John's son, joins the company as general manager. "I left the university (University of Arkansas) in 1952, and from that day until 1963, the year I took the company public, I worked in the business six days a week and on Dad's farm on the seventh day."
People are the Heart of the Company (1960s)
John and Don continue to build their business and add to the growing team, despite a volatile market. Don hires two young alumni from the University of Arkansas, Leland Tollett in 1959, and Donald "Buddy" Wray, in 1961, who help propel the company to amazing success. As Don would often say, "Our people are the heart of our company."
Convenient Chicken for Everybody (1970s)
Tyson Foods enters the decade well on its way to becoming a diversified food company.
Phenomenal Growth (1980s)
Despite the struggling economic situation in the early 1980s, Tyson Foods experiences a period of tremendous growth. "We say it in three words: segment, concentrate and dominate. We find something we think we can do, focus on it, and then aim to be number one at it. Most of the product categories we dominate are things we started," says Don in the 1986 annual report.
Momentum (1990s)
Tyson Foods enters the 1990s intent on maintaining its momentum. In 1990, for the eighth consecutive year, the company reports record sales and earnings. Sales rise 51 percent from $2.5 billion in 1989 to $3.8 billion.
Chicken -- and Beef and Pork! (2000s)
In 2000, Chairman John H. Tyson is also named CEO. John, like his father and grandfather, leads Tyson Foods through another period of dramatic expansion. In 2001, Tyson Foods acquires IBP Inc. and its subsidiary Foodbrands America Inc. to become, at the time, the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork.
Responsible Company (2010s)
The company's history of making a difference in communities across the U.S. is highlighted by the formal partnership with national hunger relief organizations and continued efforts at creating sustainable agriculture and food production. In 2010, Tyson Foods marks its tenth year as a partner with Share Our Strength, leading the protein industry by donating more than 76 million pounds of products to hunger and disaster relief.
Community on 01/22/2015