ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Poultry processor Vikon Farms plans to locate a new processing facility in Arkadelphia, which was formerly the home of Petit Jean Poultry. Planning to invest $5.4 million into this facility, the plant will employ more than 172 people within four years, according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Vikon intends to contract with a number of growers from El Dorado and Union County along with a Vikon-supported hatchery in Prescott. Vikon produces a specialty breed of chicken that serves many Asian markets.

"We are excited to be here,” said Quan Phu, president and CEO of Vikon Farms. “We appreciate the extensive amount of support from the Arkadelphia Economic Development Alliance and Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Our expansion to Arkansas could not have been done without the unwavering assistance of the Arkadelphia, El Dorado, and Prescott communities.”

Vikon Farms raises free-range chickens that are naturally grown. These birds are fed an all-grain diet with no hormones or antibiotics added.

“Vikon Farms is doing more than bringing jobs to Arkadelphia; they’re building agricultural partnerships with growers in our region,” said Gov. Mike Beebe.