LEXINGTON, Neb. — The biggest employer in Lexington is shutting down its plant.

Tyson Foods announced Friday that it will end operations at its Lexington beef facility. In a brief news release, the company said the change is intended to “right size its beef business and position it for long-term success.”

The news release didn’t list how many people were employed at the facility, but Reuters reports that 3,200 people worked at the plant.

“Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate,” the Tyson release said. “The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits.”

Lexington has about 11,000 people. It is the county seat of Dawson County and is 35 miles west of Kearney.

Prominent Nebraska politicians have issued statements on the announcement.

Gov. Jim Pillen: "Big picture – our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned re-organization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants. Tyson leadership has also promised to continue to work on future value-added opportunities here in the state. The state of Nebraska is ready to build for the future and do what it can do to support employees affected by this change.”

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer: "I am extremely disappointed by this news from Tyson today. As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region, and our state. Nebraskans are nothing if not resilient, and Lexington has a robust workforce. I hope their skill and experience will be sought after by other employers.

“Nebraska is the beef state, and we know better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market. It’s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red.

“As we head into the holiday season, I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision."

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts: "I will do everything I can to support the Nebraskans who are impacted by this decision. We must help them stay in our state and find work close to home. This news is especially heartbreaking around the holidays. I ask for Nebraskans to keep the community of Lexington in their prayers."

Those directly involved with the cattle trade spoke up as well.

Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors: "We are disappointed by Tyson’s decision to permanently close the Lexington beef processing facility. We firmly believe there isn’t a better place to efficiently and economically raise cattle and produce beef than Nebraska. As this will have a profound impact on the community of Lexington and many cattle producers, we hope the plant will continue operations under new ownership."