Wayne Farms Sheds Poultry Processing Plant

Continental Grain Co. subsidiary Wayne Farms wrapped up the sale of its Fresh Processing Complex in Laurel, MS to South Carolina-based chicken products firm Amick Farms on October 17. The location houses a feed mill, live production, and hatchery, as well as manufacturing and processing operations.

“We’ve had a very long and positive relationship with the Laurel community, and we’re glad we’ve been able to reach an agreement with a solid operator like Amick Farms who shares our values and will continue that community partnership,” Wayne Farms CEO and President Clint Rivers said in a company release. “The decision to sell the Laurel facility was not easy for Wayne Farms, but this is an important step in completing the proposed transaction with Sanderson Farms.”

A joint venture between agribusiness Cargill and Continental Grain entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Sanderson Farms on August 9. The companies anticipate the $4.5 billion transaction will close by early 2022. Wayne Farms will be merged with Sanderson Farms to create a new US poultry business.  

Financial terms of the deal were not revealed.  

Amick Farms currently owns two vertically integrated facilities in Maryland and South Carolina.