April 28, 2006

West Liberty Foods to build turkey-processing plant in Utah

Turkey processor West Liberty Foods is planning to build a 300,000-square-foot turkey processing plant and distribution center in Pleasant View, Utah, that could eventually employ 500 people.

The company currently operates three other facilities in the US.

West Liberty CEO Ed Garrett said the company plans to break ground for the plant within 90 days, and expects the plant to begin operations next year.

The Pleasant Valley plant will not slaughter animals but will take meat from other facilities and process it into delicatessen meats and ground turkey.

The processed meats will be distributed to foodservice operations and retail outlets.

Economic incentives from the local government, good infrastructure, and Utah's business-friendly environment were key considerations in the selection of the site, said Garrett.