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US turkey producer Butterball has announced that it is investing a total of $8.7 million at two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas.

The project includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark and a $4 million investment in Huntsville, with the company expecting to create a total of 360 new jobs within three years.

Butterball’s Huntsville facility makes a range of products, including pre-packaged fresh, frozen and cooked whole turkeys, as well as turkey breasts and roasts.

The company plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space and implement production line modifications at the Huntsville site, among other changes.

At the Ozark plant, where Butterball produces pre-packaged fresh and frozen whole turkeys, the company plans to expand refrigeration capacity and upgrade processing equipment. Butterball will also reportedly remodel employee welfare areas at the facility.

Butterball 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 at our Huntsville and Ozark, Arkansas facilities.”

Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas, said: “This is a great day for Northwest Arkansas. 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.”