Tyson opens $45 million center in Arkansas

Tyson Foods Inc. unveiled a $45 million research and development center complete with test kitchens and tasting booths that will help the world''s largest meat producer develop new prepared foods, the Associated Press reports. Dubbed the Discovery Center, the 100,000-square-foot facility also boasts a mini-factory where new products can be tested on production lines. The center at Tyson''s Springdale headquarters replaces three smaller research offices Tyson had previously used at its headquarters, in Fort Worth, Texas, and in Hutchinson, Kan. Tyson opened the center to the public for the first time since it started operation in mid-January. The Discovery Center has 19 research kitchens, some simulating restaurant settings and home kitchens. About 120 people work at the center.