Source: MEATINGPLACE, 7/16/14

Sanderson Farms is considering a location in Cumberland County, N.C., for the site of its next chicken processing plant, the Fayetteville Observer reported, citing multiple sources.

Two unidentified local government officials reportedly confirmed the company’s interest in the Cedar Creek Business Center, a vacant 485-acre site that is zoned for heavy industry. It also quoted local land owners who said they had spoken with Sanderson officials.

Sanderson Chief Financial Officer Mike Cockrell declined to comment on the report when contacted by Meatingplace. But Cockrell oconfirmed that North Carolina remains a focus for future expansion.

“North Carolina has been an excellent place to do business,” Cockrell said. “There’s no secret we absolutely want to get back to North Carolina at some point.”

The company has long been interested in building a second plant in North Carolina, after opening its Kinston facility in 2011. But in 2012, Sanderson canceled plans to build in Nash County, N.C., after local opponents filed various legal challenges.

The company instead opted to build a facility in Palestine, Texas. Cockrell said the Palestine complex is on track to open in the first quarter of 2015.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.