Darling, Butterball explore new poultry rendering plant in Mt. Olive, North Carolina

Turkeys

Darling Ingredients Inc. announced June 1 that it has entered into a letter of intent with Butterball LLC to explore the construction of a new poultry rendering plant adjacent to Butterball’s Mt. Olive, North Carolina, facility.

The new facility being explored is anticipated to be able to process about 18 million pounds of material weekly through three lines.

Pending permits and the execution of definitive agreements, construction would likely begin in early 2024 and be completed in 2025.

“Darling Ingredients is committed to supporting its customers and agricultural growth in North Carolina,” said Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and CEO of Darling Ingredients.

“A new Mt. Olive rendering facility strengthens rendering reliability, increases capacity and provides a critical service that transforms this material into invaluable ingredients and feedstock for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” Stuewe continued.

Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball, added, “Butterball has been a proud, long-time member of the Mt. Olive community, providing positive economic impacts, including jobs, for many in the area. We’re excited to explore the potential environmental and safety benefits of an improved operating footprint at Mt. Olive.”

Steve Troxler, North Carolina’s agriculture commissioner, said, “Today’s announcement is great news for North Carolina’s agriculture industry. As we continue to grow, so does the need for facilities like this one. Increasing our rendering capacity in the state provides us the ability to turn an otherwise unusable animal material into a useable product.”

Troxler said the new rendering plant would be “an essential service” for the state’s agriculture community and “greatly needed capacity” to help meet demand.

“I wish Butterball and Darling Ingredients success in this endeavor,” he added.