Butterball just delivered bad news to 180 employees in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The turkey processor plans to shut down the plant in 2025, giving workers 60 days’ notice. For longtime employees, the move comes as a hard blow. The company hasn’t explained the reason yet, but the impact is clear. Jobs are disappearing, and workers must figure out what’s next.
Who is Butterball?
You’ve probably seen Butterball turkeys in grocery stores, especially around Thanksgiving. The North Carolina-based company cranks out about a billion pounds of turkey yearly, putting it among the biggest producers in the U.S. From whole birds to deli cuts, it’s been a staple for decades. So if you’ve ever roasted a holiday turkey, chances are Butterball had something to do with it.
The Closure of the Plant in Arkansas
Butterball told 180 Jonesboro employees on December 4 that their plant would close in early 2025. This facility processes and packages turkeys shipped from other Butterball locations. Workers had noticed fewer shifts lately, so the news wasn’t completely unexpected. Still, it hits hard for those who’ve spent years there. They had until February to find new jobs and figure out their next steps.
Impending Closure Incoming
Workers at the Jonesboro plant knew something was up before the official notice came. The shutdown date is set for February 3, 2025. According to the WARN notice, employees who stay through the closure will continue to receive paychecks and medical benefits until the end. Some workers noticed fewer shifts and scaled-back operations in recent months. Now they’re facing the reality of looking for new jobs in the new year.
What were the Employee Statements?
Marcy Whitsett worked at the Jonesboro plant and wasn’t surprised by the closure. She’d already seen her weekly shifts shrink from five days to three. “Most of us saw it coming,” she admitted. When the news broke, her coworkers texted her in tears. Whitsett worries most about veteran employees who rely on those paychecks and health insurance. She plans to stay until the final day to support her team.
Supporting the Employees
Butterball isn’t leaving workers empty-handed. The company partnered with Arkansas Workforce Services to provide job fairs, resume workshops, and interview coaching for affected staff.
Mark Young from Jonesboro Unlimited noted the area’s strong manufacturing base, suggesting workers will find local opportunities. Those staying until the February 3 closure date will maintain their pay and benefits, plus receive severance. For employees who’ve dedicated decades to the plant, these resources offer some security during the transition.
Statement of Butterball Regarding Closure
Butterball’s CEO Jay Jandrain addressed the Jonesboro closure directly, calling it “a tough call” that affects the local workforce. The company explained they’ll redistribute the plant’s turkey processing to other Arkansas locations, including recently upgraded facilities. While they didn’t specify exact reasons for choosing this plant, they emphasized their commitment to helping workers transition through job placement services and continued benefits during the wind-down period.
Previous Investments in Expansion
Just two years ago, Butterball made big news with an $8.7 million upgrade to its Ozark and Huntsville plants. The investment promised 360 new jobs and brought better equipment for workers. But there’s a catch for Jonesboro employees. These upgraded facilities sit more than three hours away, making a daily commute impossible. While some Arkansas workers benefited from the expansion, others now face tough choices about relocation or finding new work closer to home.
Butterball’s Previous Closures
This isn’t Butterball’s first plant shutdown. Back in 2017, the company closed its Montgomery, Arkansas, bacon processing facility, putting 600 people out of work. They offered relocation help then, but moving hundreds of miles for another job wasn’t practical for most workers. That plant had been running since the 1970s before Butterball bought it, only to close it four years later. Now history’s repeating with Jonesboro, just on a smaller scale
Decline in Sales
Butterball saw third-quarter sales drop 70% in 2024 compared to 2023. Old PETA videos about turkey treatment went viral again last year, leading to new boycott calls. Even though the company says those videos don’t reflect current practices, the backlash clearly hurt their numbers. Between the social media storm and ongoing legal issues, the sales slump hit right as Butterball decided to close the Jonesboro plant.
Competitors of Butterball
When shoppers think turkey, brands like Jennie-O and Boar’s Head often come to mind alongside Butterball. Smithfield and Sanderson Farms also compete for space in grocery coolers. Some customers seem to be switching brands after those viral PETA videos resurfaced. While Butterball still leads during the Thanksgiving season, these alternatives give buyers options when concerns pop up about animal welfare or plant closures.
What’s Next for Poultry Workers?
Butterball’s Jonesboro closure reflects broader struggles in poultry processing. Tyson and other producers have also shut plants recently. With sales down and animal welfare concerns resurfacing, workers face uncertain futures. The industry appears to be shifting.
