January 24, 2014

Producer of antibiotic-free chicken, Bell & Evans, plans to expand its chicken operation in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, including the construction of two plants and hatchery, in an effort to boost its operation and nearly double its work force.

Bell & Evans plans to construct one processing plant and a hatchery 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 in at least two years' time. The hatchery will supply local poultry farmers with chicks that would eventually come back to the plant when fully grown.

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.