SILER CITY, N.C. – Mountaire Farms has opened its fourth poultry processing plant. The $170 million plant, located in Siler City, will employ 1,250 people once fully staffed and is the company’s second facility in North Carolina. 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. “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 Lieutenant Governor 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.”

Mountaire Farms supplies poultry to retail, food service, further processing facilities, name brand pet food companies and exports to over 60 countries around the world. The company’s four poultry processing plants are located in Lumber Bridge and Siler City, N.C.; and Millsboro and Selbyville, Del.