Wayne Farms closed poultry processing plant
Wayne Farms will phase out its Douglas, Ga. further processing facility by the end of July 2009.
The reason for this is due to the end of a long-standing and highly-specialised customer contract, and as a necessary next step in the company’s ongoing efforts to increase operating efficiencies.
Wayne Farms president and CEO Elton Maddox said that the decision is final and that the company is currently in discussions with several parties who are potentially interested in purchasing the Douglas facility, which currently employs around 150 people.
“The needs of our clients are constantly changing,” said Maddox. “Wayne Farms purchased this facility more than 10 years ago specifically because of an existing business relationship and the needs of a particular client. As our customer portfolio has evolved, we took the time to re-evaluate our Douglas operations in relation to our existing production needs and overall business plan.”
Employees affected by the closure will be offered positions at other facilities where possible, and the company is working with the Georgia Department of Labour to coordinate employment/job placement assistance for all affected employees.
