Arkansas poultry plant to reopen, get $5.4 million upgrade
Former Petit Jean Poultry plant in Arkadelphia, Ark., is scheduled to reopen and start producing a specialized breed of chicken exported to Asia. Vikon Farms will be spending $5.4 million to reopen the plant, which will be used to process free-range, natural chickens for the overseas market, reports the Associated Press. The facility, when opened, is expected to employ more than 170 people.
"Vikon Farms is doing more than bringing jobs to Arkadelphia; they're building agricultural partnerships with growers in our region," Gov. Mike Beebe said at a ceremony to mark the company's venture. "I know they will be satisfied with the dedicated workforce they will find in Arkadelphia and Clark County as they establish their Arkansas operation."