A closed chicken processing plant in Mocksville, N.C. that was acquired by House of Raeford last year is set to reopen this summer.

“After being closed for more than 2 years, the former Crestwood Farms (Townsends) processing plant on Eaton Road in Mocksville is up and running again,” reports the Davie CountyEconomic Development Commission. “Like a knight on a white horse, House or Raeford Farms is bringing the plant back to life and bringing up to 200 jobs back to this Mocksville location.”

House of Raeford bought the 65,000-square-foot facility and six acres for $5.6 million in August and retained the processing equipment, reports the News & Record. House of Raeford chose to reopen the Mocksville plant, rather than moving the equipment to other plants, and invest in up-fitting the facilities.

Steve Mixon is the production manager for the Mocksville plant.  

“Davie County is a great fit for Raeford Farms. Employees here have a strong work ethic and excellent attitudes and doing business with local contractors takes just a handshake to seal the deal,” he said. “We’re in this for the long haul. After 70 years in the business, Raeford Farms doesn’t give up on long-term projects. We are starting out slow and building the right team for the long term. We currently have about 35 full time employees and expect to build up to about 200 employees over the next 24 months.”

Terry Bralley, President of the Davie County Economic Development Commission, said he is thrilled that the building, vacant for over 2 years, has a new owner that is investing in the community.

“We are very fortunate to have a North Carolina family-owned business come in to bring this plant back to life,” he said. “House of Raeford Farms has a long history in North Carolina of being an excellent corporate citizen. They are one of the reasons that agriculture continues to be the number one industry in North Carolina.”

Dave Whitter, a spokesman for House of Raeford, said the company would provide more details about the Mocksville plant once it is finished testing equipment.

Sources: Davie County Economic Development Commission, News & Record