Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey products in the United States, will be investing a combined $8.7 million and creating 360 new jobs within three years in two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas.
The expansion includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark where the company will create 160 jobs and a $4 million investment in Huntsville where it will create a further 200.
President and CEO Jay Jandrain said: “Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey-growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to expand some of our processing operations.
“We are proud to continue to be vital contributors to and key supporters of the local communities in which we operate and we’re grateful for the hardworking people of Arkansas.”
Butterball’s Huntsville facility produces pre-packaged fresh, frozen, and cooked whole turkeys, turkey breasts and roasts, and pre-packaged bone-in tray pack turkey products.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson hailed it “a great day for Northwest Arkansas”, adding: “Butterball has chosen to expand not just one – but two – Arkansas facilities. 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 is one of the country’s most iconic turkey brands, famous for its holiday Turkey Talk-Line, but also for helping communities by providing meals during natural disasters, sponsoring American Heart Association Heart Walks and donating products to Feeding America.
Butterball plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space, and implement production line modifications at its Huntsville facility. The existing facility will also be remodelled to include a new training area, team member welfare areas, and offices.
Its products are currently distributed throughout the U.S. and in more than 45 countries. Butterball operates six processing plants located in North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri.