GARNER, NC. — Butterball has announced plans to invest $8.7 million to expand two turkey processing facilities in northwest Arkansas.

One expansion will comprise a $4.7 million investment in Ozark, Ark., where the company plans to upgrade processing equipment and expand refrigeration capacity. Butterball also will remodel many of the team member welfare areas at the facility. Butterball produces pre-packaged fresh and frozen whole turkeys at the Ozark plant. The expansion is expected to add 160 jobs.

The second expansion will include a $4 million investment in Huntsville, Ark., where the company plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space, and implement production line modifications. The existing facility also will be remodeled to include a new training area, team member welfare areas and offices. Butterball’s Huntsville facility produces prepackaged fresh, frozen and cooked whole turkeys; turkey breasts and roasts; and prepackaged bone-in tray pack turkey products. The expansion is expected to create 200 new jobs.

“Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to expand some of our processing operations at our Huntsville and Ozark, Arkansas facilities,” said Jay Jandrain, president and chief executive officer of Butterball. “We are proud to continue to be vital contributors to and key supporters of the local communities in which we operate and we’re grateful for the hardworking people of Arkansas.”

In addition to the processing facilities in Ozark and Huntsville, Butterball has a third processing facility in Jonesboro, Ark., as well as feed mills in Yellville, Ark., and Alix, Ark.

“This is a great day for Northwest Arkansas,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Butterball has chosen to expand not just one — but two — Arkansas facilities. The trust that they have placed in our workforce and business climate is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our state and these two communities.”