Expansion Management

Ozark Mountain Poultry Expands in Arkansas

Nov. 11, 2013

The company, which will add 250 new jobs, will double its production capability.

Ozark Mountain Poultry (OMP), based in Rogers, Arkansas, will open its expanded operations today.

OMP will employ approximately 250 people from the Batesville area when it begins operations and anticipates employment numbers will rise as production capacity increases.

With the new capacity at the Batesville operation the company will double its weekly production to The approximately 3 million pounds. Its antibiotic-free poultry, produced both for the restaurant industry and its consumer-based brand, Forester Farmer’s Market.

“Our goal when we founded the company 13 years ago was to provide affordable, premium, quality chicken to families,” said Dr. Ed Fryar, CEO, Ozark Mountain Poultry. “With the purchase of the Batesville site, we will be able to meet the growing demands of consumers for healthy, antibiotic free chicken.” Pilgrim’s Pride announced plans to close the facility earlier this year.

“Batesville has shown resiliency as a community through the recent loss of jobs at this facility,” said Grant Tennille, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Thanks to Ozark Mountain Poultry for its investment in Batesville and its people.”

Food processing, especially in the poultry market, is an important part of the economy in Arkansas as it accounted for 21.3% of the total manufacturing payroll last year. Employment in the sector is at 43,262.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.