FARMERVILLE, La. — Foster Farms has announced a $30 million capital investment for an expansion and upgrade of the company’s poultry processing facilities in Farmerville, La. The investment will extensively modernize and upgrade the facility’s cut-up and deboning departments.
The new Foster Farms project will retain 1,092 existing jobs and create 50 new direct jobs, with a total annual payroll of $34.8 million in Union Parish, Louisiana
Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 42 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 90 new jobs in North Louisiana.
“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,” Foster Farms President and CEO Laura Flanagan said. “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.”
The company said it anticipates the capital equipment will be installed and the new project completed by October 2017.
“Foster Farms’ facility in Union Parish has generated much-need employment opportunities for our people,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “The company’s commitment to the area and reinvestment in the Farmerville poultry operations is a testament not only to the Louisiana workforce in the region, but to the company’s vision for future success in our state. We’re proud to have such a well-regarded agribusiness company like Foster Farms in Union Parish, and we congratulate them on their expansion. As Foster Farms grows its presence in Louisiana, many families will benefit, including the extended network of poultry farmers who supply this important plant.”
In 2009, Foster Farms made a commitment to purchase, renovate and reopen the former Pilgrim’s Pride poultry facility in Union Parish. With financial assistance from the state, the company invested $100 million to complete facility improvements and rebuild inventory, while announcing plans to refill more than 1,000 jobs in the area. The company also renewed 100 contracts — first established by the previous plant operator — with local poultry farmers in the area. The initial investment by Foster Farms was recognized by Trade & Industry Development magazine with a 2009 CiCi Award as one of the Top 15 projects in the nation for Community Impact.
Headquartered in Livingston, Calif., Foster Farms operates facilities in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Arkansas, Alabama and Louisiana, and employs more than 12,000 people.
