The Demopolis plant of Foster Farms’ Prepared Food Division, located in the South Industrial Park, will expand for a second time. Producing a wide variety of corndogs, the operation’s volume exceeds 1 million per day.

The enhancement of existing production lines will involve a $2.1-million-plus capital investment. Construction will begin on Feb. 1 and is expected to be completed by March 31 of this year. Thirty new jobs will be created.

“It is great that we are able to make another production expansion so soon after an $11-million investment in November 2007,” said plant manager Travis Burnham. “The two expansions together will allow a production increase of 39 percent and add an additional 95 employees. Production for 2009 will be an increase of 87 percent since 2002. The increase is not only due to the commitment of Foster Farms providing the capitol investments, but a credit to the employees improving the efficiencies and throughput to support the investment. The employees not only improved production, but as of September of this year, have gone five years without a lost time accident. This is a tremendous record in itself. “

“Foster Farms is very proud to be a part of Demopolis and Marengo County. Both the city and county economic development boards have been a great support, and we look forward to a long-term relationship. “

“Foster Farms is a great corporate citizen within our community,” said Demopolis mayor Mike Grayson. “We are pleased that not only are they expanding with additional jobs, but that the demand for their product is great enough to warrant such a move. In short, we all like to see good guys to win.”

“In this economic climate, increased product demand can be found,” said Debra M. Fox, executive director of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority. “The corndogs produced by Foster Farms are an example. We are fortunate to have the company in the South Industrial Park. It focuses not only on technology enhancements, but also its people. Profit-sharing has now been added to the full benefits package offered to employees.”

Foster Poultry Farms is headquartered in Livingston, Calif., in the San Joaquin Valley with additional facilities throughout California, as well as in Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Arkansas.