DENISON, Iowa (AP) — Officials are working to help Denison cope with the closing of a Tyson Foods plant there that employed about 400 people. Mayor Brad Bonner told the Daily Nonpareil that Tyson’s announcement Friday was a surprise, and the city is now using its economic disaster response plan.

Tyson has said workers could apply for jobs at the company’s other plants. Economic development officials will try to help workers find other jobs if they want to stay in the area.

Bonner says it’s sad to see the plant close because it has a long history in Denison. It opened in 1961 as the first plant run by Iowa Beef Packers. That company grew into a major player in the industry before Tyson acquired it in 2001.