New Health & Wellness Center Also Officially Opens in Siler City, N.C.

SILER CITY, NC – April 16, 2019 – North Carolina Lt. Governor Dan Forest joined federal, state and local elected officials to help cut a ribbon on Tuesday to officially open the new $170 million processing plant in Chatham County, and officials later also opened a new Health and Wellness Center that provides free health care services to participating employees.

The 40-acre complex will employ up to 1,250 people when all shifts are hired, and contribute millions of dollars to the economy of the region. This is Mountaire’s fourth processing plant – second in North Carolina – and will allow the company to grow to meet their customers demand for their products.

“We are so happy to be open for business in Siler City,” said Phillip Plylar, President of Mountaire Farms, the nation’s sixth largest chicken processor. “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.”

The plant will have the capacity to harvest 1.4 million chickens each week, all grown locally by more than 100 family farmers. The company also owns and operates two hatcheries in Chatham County near Siler City. They also contract with dozens of local vendors for goods and service related to chicken processing.

“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.”

“Agriculture and agribusiness is North Carolina’s leading industry at $87 billion a year, and I am proud of Mountaire Farms’ continued commitment to support our state’s farmers and agribusiness community,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Not only will this facility help feed the world and keep N.C. agriculture moving forward, but it will provide much needed jobs to our economy.”

“This was a great project where local contractors, engineers and craftsmen all came together each with their own unique skill, with one purpose, to build the most modern, stream-lined processing plant here in Siler City,” said Paul Nelson, Director of Processing Operations at Siler City. “The project created about 250 jobs during construction, and it was a great collaboration, To everyone involved I say job well done!”

“This is a terrific day for the Town of Siler City and Chatham County as we inaugurate a new poultry processing facility that will employ area farmers and workers,” said Chatham County Commissioners Vice Chair Diana Hales. “Mountaire not only provides an economic boost to Siler City, but we welcome your role as a community-involved business.”

“I am so proud to have Mountaire Farms as one of our corporate citizens,” said Chatham County Commissioner Walter Petty. “Not only has Mountaire invested millions into our much-needed town and county tax base, they’ve created more than a thousand new jobs. They continue to strengthen our economy by making every effort to do business with local companies. Mountaire can often be seen participating in community events and donating to fund raising efforts.  It is so refreshing to see new life breathed back into the old property that set idle for so many years.”

Mountaire Farms is among the nation’s largest suppliers of private label poultry to retail grocery chains, food service and broad line distributors that supply local and national chain restaurants as well as many well known further processors who produce everything from nuggets to hotdogs under their own brands.  Mountaire also is a large supplier of poultry to many name brand pet food companies.  They also export to more than 60 countries around the world.

All Mountaire employees who participate in the company’s health insurance plans are also eligible to get free health care at the company’s on-site Health & Wellness Center, operated by Premise Health. A primary care doctor is on staff and along with other health care professionals, 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.

Officials also cut a ribbon at the Health & Wellness Center on Tuesday.

“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 & Wellness centers are a big part of fulfilling that commitment since our people are our greatest asset.  Our Siler City Health & Wellness center is our 4^th 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.”