National meat processor Tyson Foods is downsizing its operations and its plant outside the Tri-Cities is on the block.

The company announced Aug. 13 that it is pursuing the sale of its 273,438-square-foot facility at Wallula just southeast of the Tri-Cities in Walla Walla County. It was not clear if it plans to shut down the facility at 13983 Dodd Road prior to any sale.

Tyson also plans to end operations at facilities in Illinois and Utah as it centralizes its business at plants in the heart of the country in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas due to “the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced.”

“Recent USDA cattle inventory data, which included continued evidence of limited heifer retention, indicates these supply constraints are likely to persist, requiring strategic action,” the company said in a release.

Between 1,400 to 1,600 employees work at the facility, which serves as both a slaughterhouse and processing plant. It originally opened as a family-owned operation in 1966 but has been operated by Tyson since 2001. The company completed a $36 million renovation at the facility less than 10 years ago.

Tyson said it recognizes the impact moves will have on team members and communities and is committed to supporting employees, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities.