Bell & Evans has plans to expand its chicken operations in Fredericksburg, Penn., that would include constructing two plants and hatchery. The move could allow the operation of to nearly double its work force.
Bell & Evans is seeking tax breaks from the Lebanon County Commission for the construction of one processing plant and a hatchery. Details of the plans have been presented to the commission by Bell & Evans Chief Financial Officer Dan Chirico and attorney Tim Dietrich, the The Lebanon Daily News reported.
The company, which produces antibiotic-free chicken, informed the commissioners the project is necessary in order to keep up with consumer demand. The first plant could be completed within about a year, while completion of the second plant would likely be about three years away.
The news of the planned Bell & Evans expansion offers hope to the community's economy, as Fredericksburg is also the location of the Booth Creek Natural Chicken plant, which parent company Perdue Farms announced would close in March.
