Butterball to take over closed Raeford turkey plant - 367 jobs created

RAEFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Butterball announced Thursday that it plans to take over a now-closed House of Raeford turkey plant in Raeford. The move means 367 jobs for the area over the next three years.

"Butterball is one of North Carolina's great success stories," said Governor Pat McCrory - announcing the plan. "The company is known all over the world for its products, and it is great to see it expand its presence here. North Carolina currently ranks first in the nation in turkey production by pound, and the industry is an important part of the state's economy."

McCrory said state officials sweetened the deal for Butterball with a grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $150,000. The fund is used to attract business to the state.

Butterball plans to invest $66.75 million in the project. Salaries will vary by job but, the total annual payroll will exceed $10.6 million.

"We are thrilled to expand our presence in Raeford," said Kerry Doughty, Butterball president and chief executive officer. "We've enjoyed our relationship with the community throughout the years, and we are proud to continue building that relationship."