Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania (March 19, 2018) – Family-owned, premium poultry producer Bell & Evans will open a 560,000-square-foot Chicken Harvesting Plant in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, in early 2020. The new, European-plus Harvesting Plant will enable Bell & Evans to process another 2.6 million chickens per week in addition to its 1 million per week now. To support increased production, Bell & Evans is seeking additional local farmers to produce hatching eggs and raise its chickens. Bell & Evans estimates that it will need to increase its breeder farms by 250% and grow out farms where the chickens are raised by 250% to support its expansion.
“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Bell & Evans Owner and Visionary Scott Sechler. “We have the ongoing new Harvesting Plant build, and we’re also in the midst of converting 100% of our chickens to a higher-welfare breed, Das Klassenbester TM. These developments mean healthier chickens and more of them! We’re a great fit for farmers who want to incorporate a successful chicken business into their operation.”
Bell & Evans grows both “Raised Without Antibiotics” and “Organic” chickens. Every chicken house is built with the highest standards and the ability to switch to organic if the farmer is eligible. Bell & Evans houses have cement floors and curbs to prevent pests, full cleanout and sanitation between flocks, fresh litter for every flock, plentiful windows and doors for natural light and energy-efficient radiant heaters and cooling systems. Flock Supervisors routinely visit grow out farms to provide guidance and resources for successfully raising flocks.
Bell & Evans is the oldest branded chicken company in America with deep roots in Central PA. Growers live within 60 minutes, on average, of Fredericksburg, PA, where the Hatchery and processing facilities are located. Breeders are located throughout Pennsylvania.
Bell & Evans will also be hiring an additional 1,800 full-time team members to support its growth at the Harvesting Plant.
Bell & Evans’ largest retail customers include family-owned Wegmans Food Markets, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh and many other upscale supermarkets and butcher shops throughout the country.
About Bell & Evans – Bell & Evans is the oldest branded chicken company in America, dating back to 1894. We are the industry pioneer in chicken Raised Without Antibiotics and industry leader in humane animal welfare standards and premium quality chicken. From our World’s First Organic Certified Animal Welfare Focused Chicken Hatchery to Slow Induction Anesthesia and 100% Air Chill, Bell & Evans is passionate about raising chickens responsibly and innovating every step of the way to produce the highest quality chicken for its customers.