ROGERS, Ark. – Ozark Mountain Poultry (OMP) recently consolidated its front-half deboning operations into the company’s new facility in Batesville, Arkansas, resulting in the closure of the company’s processing plant in Warren, Arkansas. Approximately 200 employees were affected by the closure of the Warren facility.

“This was a very difficult decision to make,” said Ed Fryar, CEO. “The quality of the available workforce in Warren was very good for us, and we are very appreciative of our Warren-based employees. We encourage them to apply for openings at either of our Batesville or Rogers locations, and will also try to assist them in finding other opportunities in the Warren area.”

OMP will be hiring 400 employees as a result of the company’s expansion in Batesville. OMP produces chicken for foodservice and retail customers throughout the United States under the Forester Farmer’s Market brand.

Fryar noted a combination of factors prompted the closure of the Warren plant, including available space at the new Batesville facility and the need to reduce the company’s footprint. Fryar added that consolidating the company’s front-half deboning operations creates greater value for OMP customers.

“Also, the new facility in Batesville was an unknown at the time we began operations in Warren,” he added.