Ozark Mountain Poultry (OMP), a vertically integrated poultry company based in Rogers, Ark., expanded its Batesville, Ark., facility. OMP will employ approximately 250 people from the Batesville area and anticipates employment numbers will rise as production capacity increases.

OMP currently produces more than 1.5 million pounds of antibiotic-free poultry per week for restaurants and its consumer-based brand, Forester Farmer’s Market. With the addition of Batesville, that number will double to approximately 3 million pounds per week.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Batesville community and to expand operations in our home state,” said Dr. Ed Fryar, chief executive officer. “Our goal when we founded the company 13 years ago was to provide affordable, premium, quality chicken to families. With the purchase of the Batesville site, we will be able to meet the growing demands of consumers for healthy, antibiotic-free chicken.”

OMP purchased the Batesville facility from Pilgrim’s Pride, when the Greeley, Colo.-based poultry processor announced plans to close it earlier this year.

“As part of our long-term growth strategy, Ozark Mountain Poultry continuously evaluates opportunities to better serve our customers, employees and investors,” adds Fryar. “We believe the acquisition of the Batesville facility was a smart decision for our business and those we serve.”