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.
