OAKWOOD, Ga. – Wayne Farms LLC announced plans to eliminate approximately 360 jobs as part of an initiative to make its Decatur, Ala. further-processing facilities more efficient and competitive. The company is implementing a strategy of focusing resources on businesses that focus on future market conditions and business opportunities. Changes being implemented by the company include shifting volume to more efficient production lines, more fully utilizing assets and exiting business no longer aligned with the company's strategic focus. The elimination of about 360 hourly and salaried employees is expected to be completed by late January.

During the past year, the company said it carefully evaluated its further-processing capabilities and implemented changes to make it more responsive to the demand of customers currently and in the future. John Flood, vice president and general manager of Wayne Farms further processed business unit, said the streamlining campaign has been a work in progress.


"Throughout this process, we made the right investments in our Decatur facilities, improving operational capabilities and efficiencies as well as moving our R&D and culinary services to be integrated with our production facility,” he said.

Wayne Farms will work to offer employment opportunities for employees affected at other Wayne Farms’ locations, where possible. The company also plans to work with local job placement agencies to assist affected employees.

“We’ve made a significant investment in North Alabama over the years, and our Decatur operation and workforce are key to our future growth,” said Elton Maddox, president and CEO. “We remain committed to Decatur and look forward to the future growth this change will bring to our company and the area.”

 

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