US meat processor Perdue Farms has announced a $17m expansion at its Monterey, Tennessee further-processing plant that will create more than 400 jobs.
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The expansion, which will increase the company’s capacity to produce sliced, deli-style meats primarily for foodservice operators, will begin operation in mid-November.
George Rawlston, vice president of prepared foods operations, said the company’s partnership with the State of Tennessee was one of the main reasons behind the decision to site the slicing operation at its Monterey plant.
“Today’s announcement is about more than bricks, mortar and machinery,” said Rawlston. “Perdue is making this $17m investment in middle Tennessee in part because of a partnership with the State of Tennessee. That partnership means employment for 407 people. And Perdue Farms knows it has a great workforce here in Middle Tennessee.”
The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (ECD) is providing on-the-job training assistance for the 407 positions – which will be filled by a combination of existing associates and new hires – and will provide initial screening of all applicants for the new jobs.
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By GlobalDataBy the time the expansion becomes operational, Perdue will have increased its employment at the Monterey plant from 1,806 associates in November of 2004 to more than 2,150.
“We are glad that Perdue has decided to expand its operations here,” said ECD commissioner Matthew Kisber. “The cooperation between the state and local community to help bring training, recruitment and tax savings not only led to new, better paying jobs for Tennesseans, but helped to save those already there.”
Rawlston said the expanded slicing operation is part of Perdue’s commitment to keep pace with changes in the food industry. “Sliced meats represent the fastest-growing category in foodservice, so this expansion is an investment in the future of this plant,” said Rawlston. “Perdue Farms is dedicated to developing new products, implementing new processes and expanding capabilities to remain a leader in our industry.”
The expansion includes construction of a 16,000-square-foot addition to the plant and conversion of 15,000-square-feet of existing space. The completed operation will have the capability to produce up to 35m pounds of sliced meats per year.
