Morrilton Packing Company, parent company for Petit Jean Meats, announced it is expanding its operations. Through the expansion, the pork processor and wholesaler will invest $2.1 million in its existing facility to add additional capacity for current and future products, including a new line of snack sticks with large growth potential. The company will create approximately 34 new jobs, bringing total employment to more than 100.
“Morrilton Packing Company has called Arkansas home for almost a century,” said David Ruff, Morrilton Packing president and CEO. “The Petit Jean Meats brand is known throughout the state for its taste and quality. This expansion would not be possible without our loyal customers and our dedicated employees who believe in this company.”
Petit Jean Meats has been family-owned since its founding in the 1920s by Felix Schlosser, shortly after he immigrated to Arkansas from Germany. Morrilton Packing maintained both a wholesale operation and a retail market until closing the retail shop in 1943. It is the only privately owned red-meat processor still operating in Arkansas. Today, the company produces ham, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and sandwich meats including bologna. The bacon and hams are still smoked in climate-controlled smokehouses for 18 hours with real burning hickory.
“Arkansas has a proven track record in creating a climate that helps businesses succeed,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “We have a workforce that is second to none, and I’m excited when companies like Morrilton Packing recognize this and choose to invest in our state and our communities.”
Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer said, “Morrilton Packing Company has been part of our business community for generations. We’re excited for their expansion so that even more customers can enjoy their quality meats.”
While Morrilton Packing sells its meat online across the country, most of its products are sold to retail and food service locations in Arkansas and Texas. For more information about Morrilton Packing and Petit Jean Meats, visit www.pjmeats.com.