February 21, 2011

Sanderson Farms reports record sales

Sanderson Farms experienced a profitable year in 2010 and expects to ride on this success with new processing facilities in North Carolina.

CEO Joe Sanderson Jr. told shareholders the company had record annual sales of US$1.9 billion, which surpassed the previous year's annual sales by 7%. The shareholders' meeting was held at the company's headquarters in Laurel, Miss. 

The company's 2011 capital expenditures will be close to US$60 million in 2011 with US$20 million going toward the completion of its Kinston facility.

Sanderson said the second North Carolina plant will increase the company's processing capacity by 30% for the big poultry market. Its North Carolina presence will also open more markets in the Northeast, Sanderson said.

The Kinston facility, which opened in January, is improving the company's profitability and the opening was one of the company's highlights in 2010.

The Kinston plant will process 1.25 million birds per week, employ 1,500 workers, 130 contract chicken growers and produce 6.7 million pounds of chicken per week. Sanderson said company leaders look forward to working with North Carolina communities as the company continues to grow and open its next plant site in the state.