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Foster Farms plans to invest $30 million in an expansion project at its poultry processing plant in Farmerville, La. The project will facilitate upgrades to the cut-up and deboning areas of the facility, which was purchased from Pilgrim’s Pride in 2009.
The company anticipates the new equipment, which reportedly includes a controlled atmosphere stunning system, will be part of the upgrades at the plant. The project is expected to be completed by October.
With construction work already under way, the process of hiring employees to fill new positions at the plant has begun, Foster Farms said. The expansion is expected to preserve 1,092 jobs in Union Parish and add 92 new direct and indirect jobs.
“Foster Farms is expanding its Farmerville operation to allow for future growth and flexibility of customer mix, as well as greater efficiency in its fresh chicken operations,” said Laura Flanagan, president and chief executive officer of Foster Farms. “Foster Farms has previously worked with the state economic development department when we acquired the facility in 2009. Since then, we have been very pleased with the quality of the workforce, the business-friendly climate, and the attitude of state and local officials in helping us to succeed in Louisiana.”