FREDERICKSBURG, Pa. – Air-chilled poultry processor, Bell & Evans recently announced plans to build two processing plants and a hatchery. The expansion could nearly double its work force.

The success of the company's plans depends on tax abatements from the Lebanon County Commission. Bell & Evans wants to build a processing plant and a hatchery in Bethel Township. Dan Chirico, CEO and attorney Tim Dietrich presented the company's plan to county commissioners, according to
The Lebanon Daily News. Once completed, the new facilities could add 1,000 jobs.

The news comes as Salisbury, Md.-based Perdue Farms announced plans to close its Booth Creek Natural Chicken (BCNC) plant in Fredericksburg in mid-March.