Peco Foods, one of the nation’s leading poultry companies, announced today that it is undergoing a company-wide repositioning as part of its strategic plan to better align with changing customer needs and economic conditions.  A refocusing of this nature is a first for the 83-year-old family-owned company but will create opportunities for more competitive performance to continue serving Peco’s team members, customers and communities long-term.

In line with Peco’s long-term strategic vision, processing and live operations will be scaling back, resulting in closures in three Mississippi locations – Brooksville, Canton (Fulton Street) and Philadelphia (hatchery). The company said it is working diligently to provide team members at the affected locations with opportunities throughout the company wherever possible, living out the company’s core value of doing the right thing for their people.

“Since Peco’s beginnings as family-owned company 83 years ago, the industry has drastically shifted,” said Peco Foods Chief Operating Officer Bill Griffith. “By streamlining our operations, we can continue building a sustainable company that will support the families and communities of our team members and customers for years to come. The decisions announced today – each carefully considered – will position Peco strongly for future growth and industry leadership.”

The repositioning takes industry trends into account, shifting production based on customer feedback, and consumer habits, the company said.

Resources will be further invested in ramping up the company’s West Point, Miss., facility and adding operations in Sebastopol, Miss., and Pocahontas, Ark., which have the capability to expand value-added product lines and meet rising demands for customer-driven, innovative foods.

“By growing strategically, we can continue attracting and retaining the brightest in the industry and contributing to economic development across our footprint,” said Chief Executive Officer Mark Hickman. “We are thankful for the community support we’ve received over the years and look forward to impacting the region as a growing, thriving company employing thousands.”

With early beginnings as a small hatchery and feed mill, Peco has grown into an industry leader, employing 7,000 people throughout Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

The company said it will begin communicating with affected team members immediately, with plans to finalize all changes by summer