Foster Farms, Livingston, Calif., announced a $30 million capital investment for an expansion and upgrade of its poultry processing facilities in Farmerville, La. The investment will extensively modernize and upgrade the facility’s cut-up and deboning departments. The new Foster Farms project will retain 1,092 existing jobs and create 50 new direct jobs.

Construction for the Foster Farms expansion project has already begun; the project is projected to be completed by October.

Foster Farms made a commitment in 2009 to purchase, renovate and reopen the former Pilgrim’s Pride poultry facility in Union Parish.

“Foster Farms is expanding its Farmerville operation to allow for future growth and flexibility of customer mix, as well as greater efficiency in its fresh chicken operations,” says Laura Flanagan, president and CEO. “Foster Farms has previously worked with the state economic development department when we acquired the facility in 2009. Since then, we have been very pleased with the quality of the workforce, the business-friendly climate and the attitude of state and local officials in helping us to succeed in Louisiana.”