SILER CITY, N.C. – North Carolina state and local officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Forrest, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of Mountaire Farms’ fourth poultry processing plant. The $170 million, Siler City, North Carolina, plant will employ 1,250 people once fully staffed and is the company’s second facility in the state. Officials also opened a health and wellness center within the 40-acre complex to provide free health care services to participating employees.

“We are so happy to be open for business in Siler City,” said Phillip Plylar, president of Mountaire Farms in a statement. “This is an exciting time for our company as we continue to grow. We are incredibly thankful for our loyal customers and hardworking team members that have enabled this growth. We are especially grateful to all of the officials in Chatham County and Siler City who helped make this project possible, and we look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship.”

Mountaire Farms owns and operates two hatcheries in Chatham County near Siler City and contracts with many local vendors of goods and services related to processing. At full capacity, the new plant will potentially harvest 1.4 million chickens a week from more than 100 local, family farms.

“Mountaire has been a leader in the North Carolina agriculture sector for years,” said North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest. “The expansion of the new facility in our state not only showcases their success, but also their commitment to our workforce and communities. I’m excited to see this company grow and continue to impact our state in a positive way.”

Premise Health will operate the company’s new health and wellness center providing free health care to all employees who participate in Mountaire’s health insurance plans. The staff consists of a primary care doctor and various other health professionals to provide a range of services all free of charge to employees and their families. Services include primary care visits, medical testing, some prescription drugs, and more.  

“To be good stewards of all the assets God has entrusted to us is part of our Mountaire creed,” said Dee Ann English, executive vice president. “We believe our health and wellness centers are a big part of fulfilling that commitment since our people are our greatest asset. Our Siler City health and wellness center is our fourth on site center and it’s a beautiful facility operated by Premise Health with a first-class staff. We’re excited to celebrate its grand opening.”

Mountaire Farms supplies poultry to retail, foodservice, further processing facilities, name brand pet food companies and exports to over 60 countries around the world.