John Ball, chief operating officer at Twin Rivers Foods Inc., told the Neosho Daily News Friday afternoon that the Neosho poultry plant will not institute a reduction in operations May 7 as previously announced.
Ball said Twin Rivers Foods Inc., has acquired enough business through new ventures to keep its current workforce at 430 employees through at least the end of September.
“But, I believe we will remain steady with enough business to go beyond that and into the future,” Ball said.
“We have been very fortunate to begin some new business opportunities with other folks, and still retain some business from Tyson.”
The original date for a possible reduction in operations and workforce was to take place on April 9. Then, in late March, Twin Rivers Food Inc., announced an extension until May 7.
During the entire time of the announced possible reduction in operations and workforce, company officials stressed the facility would remain open, but processing would be at a much-reduced level.
Now, Ball said processing and workforce would remain at current levels.
Ball was quick to show appreciation for Neosho community and business leaders for their support during the past several months.
“We are so fortunate to operate in Neosho, and with the support of so many who were truly concerned about our workforce,” Ball said.
Gib Garrow, director of economic development for the city of Neosho, said because company officials were able to keep a positive attitude throughout the process, employees were able to feel at ease staying with the company.
“And because of that, (Twin Rivers) was able to retain nearly all of their employees already in place,” Garrow said. “This is great news for Neosho, and I know those guys are apt to get more even yet. We were happy to be able to do what we could to keep them going. The whole community was sensitive to their situation, and we were glad to get the phone call (saying they were not reducing force) and I think it is very beneficial to a lot of businesses in town. I think there are going to be more good things to come.”
