Poultry processor Koch Foods announced it is planning a $20 million expansion in its Alabama facilities that could create about 150 jobs and generate almost $6 million in income for local chicken farmers. The company plans to expand its chicken production operations in Calhoun, Randolph, Cleburne, Clay and St. Clair counties, reports the Anniston Star. The expansion was made possible through a partnership with state officials and agencies, which will provide $108,000 in federally-required environmental waste management plans for area chicken farmers involved in the expansion.

Keith Martin, live operations manager for Koch Foods, said the environmental waste management plans were needed for every area chicken farm associated with the company before any expansion efforts could begin. Koch's expansion calls for the contruction of between 120 and 150 chicken houses.