Tyson Foods has announced it is ending all operations in Emporia, a move affecting more than 800 employees.

Tyson confirmed the plant closure to city administrators and sent a letter to employees saying the current operations will end on or about February 14.

Tyson VP of Beef and Pork Operations Ernesto Sanchez said the decision to close the Emporia plant is part of “the company’s business strategy to operate more efficiently.” Around 200 of the more than 800 local employees will be shifted to Tyson operations in Holcomb. The rest will be able to transfer to other places in the Tyson system.

Sanchez said the closure will take place in two stages. First will be the closure of the company’s laboratory on Funston Street around December 20. Next will be the closure of the plant on West 6th Avenue around Valentine’s Day.