Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey products in the U.S., has announced plans to close its Jonesboro, Arkansas, processing facility, a move that will impact approximately 180 workers. The closure is scheduled for February 3, 2025, according to a company statement released earlier this week.
The facility, which has operated in Jonesboro for nearly 19 years, specializes in producing cooked, ready-to-eat deli turkey breasts. Production from this plant will be relocated to other Butterball facilities. However, the company has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision to shutter the plant.
Workers Notified and Support Promised
Employees were informed of the closure during a meeting held on Wednesday, December 4. Butterball assured workers that those who remain until the facility’s closure will receive compensation in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARN) Act.
While it is unclear if some displaced workers will have opportunities to transfer to other facilities within the company’s network, Butterball has expressed its commitment to assisting affected employees in navigating their career transitions.
“We deliberated for a long time about this difficult decision, as we know it will affect about 180 team members and their families,” said Jay Jandrain, CEO and president of Butterball. “We are committed to helping our team members as they determine next steps in their careers.”
Butterball’s Presence in Arkansas
The Jonesboro facility has been a staple of the local economy, providing jobs and contributing to the community since its opening. Butterball’s other operations in Arkansas include processing plants in Huntsville and Ozark, as well as feed mills in Alix, Altus, and Yellville.
A Legacy of Ownership Changes
Butterball, originally part of ConAgra Foods, was acquired by Carolina Turkeys in 2006. Headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, the company has since expanded its reach, solidifying its position as a leader in turkey production.
The closure of the Jonesboro facility marks a significant transition for the company and the local workforce, leaving many to wonder about the economic ripple effects in the region. Butterball’s plans for transitioning production and assisting its affected employees will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this major operational change.
