Ozark Mountain Poultry expands operations in Arkansas

Ozark Mountain Poultry (OMP), an Arkansas-based poultry processor, has opened a new facility in Batesville, expanding its operations in the region.

The family-owned company currently produces over 1.5 million pounds of antibiotic-free poultry each week at its facility in Rogers.

The processed poultry is supplied to restaurants as well as marketed under its consumer brand, Forester Farmer’s Market.

With this project, OMP’s production will double to approximately three million pounds per week.

On commencing operations, the facility is expected to employ approximately 250 people from the Batesville region, with new jobs to be created as production capacity increases.

OMP CEO Dr Ed Fryar said, "Our goal when we founded the company 13 years ago was to provide affordable, premium, quality chicken to families.

"With the purchase of the Batesville site, we will be able to meet the growing demands of consumers for healthy, antibiotic free chicken."

"As part of our long-term growth strategy, Ozark Mountain Poultry continuously evaluates opportunities to better serve our customers, employees and investors," added Fryar.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission executive director Grant Tennille said, "Batesville has shown resiliency as a community through the recent loss of jobs at this facility. Thanks to Ozark Mountain Poultry for its investment in Batesville and its people."

In August, meat processor Pilgrim’s Pride announced the closure of the Batesville facility, but earlier this month OMP purchased the plant from Pilgrim’s Pride for an undisclosed amount.