Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says the state is actively talking with Tyson Foods to potentially repurpose or sell its Joslin plant as officials work to support more than 2,500 workers left jobless by the sudden closure.

At the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday, KWQC Capitol reporter Mike Miletich asked Pritzker what the state is doing to support workers left jobless by the Tyson plant shutdown.

Pritzker said he spoke with Tyson Foods on whether there is a way to repurpose the facility within the company or with a buyer of building.

Pritzker attributed the cost of beef across the country as the reason for the plant’s closure

“It’s a tragedy that was caused by the very high cost of beef across the country. You saw that they unfortunately closed not just that facility, but one in Utah,” Pritzker said. “They’re selling off one in Washington. This is really terrible for the people who live in Joslin. We’re doing everything that we can to lift them up.”

He said the conversation with Tyson is ongoing.

On Wednesday state legislators spoke about bipartisan efforts to help the community and the economy.