Peco Foods, a poultry processor, will invest $13.8 million to expand its feed mill in Newark, Arkansas and processing plant in Batesville, Arkansas, creating a combined 300 jobs.

"Peco Foods' expansion into Arkansas was an excellent decision for us and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with the City of Batesville and the State," said Mark Hickman, president and chief executive officer of Peco Foods. "We appreciate the support and cooperation of Governor Beebe, Mayor Elumbaugh, Independence County Economic Development and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for helping bring this project forward successfully. It is a privilege to be involved in helping the economy of Northeast Arkansas continue to grow."

Each week, Peco Foods processes more than 4.2 million birds and 22 million pounds of ready-to-cook poultry.

"The expansion of Peco Foods further illustrates Northeast Arkansas's growing influence in the food-processing sector," Governor Mike Beebe said. "Peco's success will draw even more interest in Batesville, both as a community and as the home of an effective workforce."

"Peco Foods is a most welcome addition to the outstanding firms operating here in Independence County," stated Independence County Judge Robert Griffin. "They have a long history of success and we feel they will merge well with our other successful ventures. Our workforce is well noted for the work ethics and dependability needed for a successful firm to attain greater heights".

As an incentive the firm will receive $485,000 from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and $175,000 from Independence County Economic Development.