The move is part of the company's measures to focus its resources on those businesses that are best aligned to address current and future market conditions and business opportunities.

"Over the past year we carefully evaluated our Further Processing capabilities and implemented changes to make us more competitive and responsive to our partners, not only in today’s challenging environment, but more importantly to be closely aligned with our customer’s needs into the future," said John Flood, Vice President and General Manager of Wayne Farms Further Processed Business Unit.

"Throughout this process we made the right investments in our Decatur facilities, improving operational capabilities and efficiencies as well as moving our R&D and Culinary services to be integrated with our production facility. I am proud of our team's efforts that have improved our performance and our ability to best respond to and service our customers.”

The changes being implemented by Wayne Farms include shifting volume to more efficient production lines, more fully utilizing assets and exiting business no longer aligned with the company's strategic focus.

This will affect approximately 360 hourly and salaried employees. It is anticipated that this process will be completed by mid to late January.

Where possible, Wayne Farms will work to offer employment opportunities at other Wayne Farms’ locations.

Wayne Farms will also collaborate with local employment service agencies to coordinate job placement assistance to those affected employees.

“We’ve made a significant investment in North Alabama over the years, and our Decatur operation and workforce are key to our future growth,” said Elton Maddox, President/CEO of Wayne Farms LLC.

“We remain committed to Decatur and look forward to the future growth this change will bring to our company and the area.”