Tyson closing plants in Chicago and Jefferson, Wisconsin

JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) - Tyson Foods says it's closing plants in Chicago and Jefferson, Wisconsin, in a move that will affect 880 workers.

Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson said in a statement Thursday that the closures are necessary because of changing product needs, the age of the facilities and prohibitive renovation costs, as well as the Chicago plant's distance from its raw material suppliers.

Around 480 people will lose their jobs at the Chicago plant, which makes prepared foods for the hospitality industry. Another 400 positions will be lost at the Jefferson plant, which makes sliced pepperoni and ham for pizza toppings, as well as sliced pepperoni and salami for deli and food service applications.

The company expects to close the plants in the second half of its fiscal year, which ends Oct 1, 2016.