By Blake Jackson
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has secured a major investment from The Wenger Group (TWG) to support the acquisition of Plainville Farms, a turkey processing facility located in New Oxford.
The investment will help keep the facility operating, protect 690 existing full-time positions, and support 93 independent family farms along with more than 300 vendor and logistics partners, many of which are located throughout Pennsylvania.
TWG completed the acquisition through its majority-owned subsidiary, Farm Fresh Turkey Products (FFTP), purchasing Plainville Farms from private equity firm Regent. The company is recognized as the largest producer of organic turkey products east of the Mississippi River.
“Pennsylvania's agriculture and manufacturing industries have powered our economy for generations, and we're making sure they continue to drive our future,” said Governor Shapiro.
“My Administration is protecting good-paying jobs, strengthening our food supply chain, supporting Pennsylvania farmers, and investing in businesses that are committed to growing right here in the Commonwealth,” he said.
As part of the project, FFTP received financial support coordinated through the Governor’s BusinessPA team. The funding package from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) includes a $5 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan and a $1 million Pennsylvania First grant.
DCED Secretary Rick Siger and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited a Plainville Farms turkey grower in Chambersburg to recognize the expansion and highlight the importance of the investment.
“The Wenger Group’s investment demonstrates the strength of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector and the value of investing in companies with deep roots in our Commonwealth,” said Siger.
“By supporting this acquisition, the Shapiro Administration is helping preserve hundreds of family-sustaining jobs, creating long-term opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers, and ensuring this important facility continues to contribute to the regional economy for years to come” said Siger.
Agriculture contributes approximately $132.5 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy, making it a key industry in the state’s economic development strategy.
“Turkey production has a long and proud history in Pennsylvania, and this investment ensures that our team members, independent family farmers, and the communities we serve can continue building on that legacy,” said Matt Goodson, CEO of Plainville Farms.
He continued: “We are grateful for the support of Governor Shapiro’s Administration, DCED, the Department of Agriculture, and The Wenger Group as we work together to protect family-sustaining jobs, strengthen the regional food supply chain, and create a stable foundation for the future of Plainville Farms.”
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Government & Policy, Livestock, Poultry