US poultry production company Bell & Evans is set to invest $260 million to build a new poultry harvesting facility in Pennsylvania.
The new 560,000-square-foot facility will have four processing lines, each capable of housing 600,000 birds a week, which will then be processed at the company’s poultry processing site in Bethel Township, Pennsylvania.
Bell & Evans approved the expansion as the company wanted to meet the growing demand for its whole- and value-added chicken products from US consumers.
Over 1,000 new jobs will be created as a result of the investment, according to the company.
Bell & Evans owner Scott Sechler said: “We’re excited about our growth and its positive impact for the local communities.
“This expansion is supporting local farmers in fifteen surrounding counties by expanding our grow out and breeder operations.
“Additionally, coupled with our 100% conversion to a higher-welfare chicken breed, this expansion ensures Bell & Evans will maintain our position as industry leader and producer of the highest quality chicken in the US.”
The company also received a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvanian government’s Department of Community and Economic Development to help fund the project.
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf added: “This expansion by one of our long-standing Pennsylvania businesses, Bell & Evans, is a truly transformational project.
“Not only will it provide more than 1,000 new, full-time jobs, but it will also support operations of more than 300 Pennsylvania farms, bringing a significant boost to our agriculture sector.
“I applaud Bell & Evans for choosing to continue their growth right here in Pennsylvania for years to come.”
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