Butterball, which ranks as one of the largest producers of turkey products in the USA, has announced plans to invest $8.7 million create up to of 360 new jobs within three years at two processing facilities in northwestern Arkansas. The expansion entails spending of $4.7 million in Ozark and $4 million in Huntsville.
“Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, we appreciate the continued support from the state government as we look to expand some of our processing operations at our Huntsville and Ozark facilities,” said Butterball President and CEO Jay Jandrain.
Butterball’s Huntsville plant produces pre-packaged frozen, fresh and cooked whole turkeys; turkey breasts and roasts; and pre-packaged bone-in tray pack turkey products. The Ozark operation packs pre-packaged frozen and fresh whole turkeys. In addition to these facilities, Butterball has a third processing plant in Jonesboro as well as feed mills in Yellville and Alix.
“This is great. Butterball has chosen to expand not just one – but two – Arkansas facilities,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “ The trust that they have placed in our workforce and business climate is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our state and these two communities.”
Butterball plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space, and implement production line modifications at the Huntsville plant. Its existing facility will also be remodeled to include a new training area, team member welfare areas and offices.
“Huntsville is very excited at the prospect of adding so many jobs to our local economy,” said Mayor Darrell Trahan. “The last statistical analysis of our workforce showed greater than 70 percent of our employed citizens were driving out of the county to work. We sincerely hope this will alleviate their need to drive.”
At its Ozark plant, the company plans to upgrade processing equipment and expand refrigeration capacity. Butterball will also remodel many of the team member welfare areas at the facility.
“The city of Ozark and the citizens of our area are extremely excited for the proposed investment in the local Butterball facility,” stated Ozark Mayor Roxie Hall. “The Butterball facility here has long been a primary employer in our area. This expansion will provide additional opportunities for those of our community to support their families as well as expand the economy of the area.”
About Butterball
Headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, Butterball operates six production plants and is the largest producer of turkey products in the United States, supplying more than 1 billion pounds of turkey to the market annually. For more than 60 years, the company has provided foodservice and retail products to customers and consumers around the world, with distribution currently reaching over 45 countries.
