Sanderson Farms will locate a new poultry processing plant and hatchery in Nash County, North Carolina, which the company estimates will provide 1,100 new jobs and create a $91.4 million capital investment in the local economy.

The proposed location of the poultry processing plant is a large, industrially zoned, 140-acre site near the interchange of East NC Highway 97 and Interstate 95. The proposed hatchery would be located further east near the intersection of East NC Highway 97 and South NC Highway 58.

The processing plant and hatchery operation is expected to employ workers from the Nash, Wilson and Edgecombe County area, where the unemployment rate averaged 13.4% in July.

"Despite challenging market conditions, we remain confident in the long term success of the Company and our industry," Chairman and CEO Joe F. Sanderson, Jr said. "We also remain confident in and committed to our growth strategy. Toward that end, we announced today we have selected Nash County, North Carolina, as the site for a future new poultry complex."

"Sanderson Farms expressed an interest in Nash County as a potential plant location almost two years ago," said Frank Harrison, Chairman of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, "and we are delighted that this official announcement will finally make this project a reality. The economic impact of this project will bring 2,400 jobs and $5.5 billion over a 10 year period to the Nash County region".

Nash County officials said they will prepare an agreement outlining any incentives offered to the company based on its proposed investment and hiring plans. State officials could also provide hiring creating and training incentives.