HARRISBURG, PA \u2014 The Wenger Group has acquired Plainville Farms, preserving 690 jobs and preventing the closure of one of Pennsylvania\u2019s largest turkey processing operations through a state-backed investment package aimed at protecting the Commonwealth\u2019s agricultural supply chain.<\/p>\n
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the family-owned agricultural company, through its majority-owned subsidiary Farm Fresh Turkey Products, completed the purchase of the New Oxford facility from private equity firm Regent. Plainville Farms is the largest producer of organic turkey products east of the Mississippi.<\/p>\n
The Commonwealth is supporting the transaction with a $6 million funding package coordinated by the Governor\u2019s BusinessPA team, consisting of a $5 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan and a $1 million Pennsylvania First grant.<\/p>\n
State officials reported that the acquisition keeps the processing plant operating while supporting 93 independent Pennsylvania turkey farms and more than 300 vendor and logistics partners, most of them based in the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s agriculture and manufacturing industries have powered our economy for generations, and we\u2019re making sure they continue to drive our future,\u201d Shapiro stated. \u201cMy Administration is protecting good-paying jobs, strengthening our food supply chain, supporting Pennsylvania farmers, and investing in businesses that are committed to growing right here in the Commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited a Plainville Farms grower in Chambersburg on Wednesday to mark the investment. Siger noted that the acquisition helps preserve jobs while creating long-term opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers and sustaining a key regional employer.<\/p>\n
The Wenger Group employs more than 1,500 people and operates 10 feed mills across the Mid-Atlantic. Its businesses include WengerFeeds, Nutrify, Dutchland Farms, Risser Grain, Leidy\u2019s Premium Meats and Hoober Feeds, providing feed, grain, proteins, fertilizer and related agricultural services.<\/p>\n
Plainville Farms Chief Executive Officer Matt Goodson described the transaction as providing stability for employees, contract growers and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment ensures that our team members, independent family farmers, and the communities we serve can continue building on that legacy,\u201d Goodson stated. \u201cWe are grateful for the support of Governor Shapiro\u2019s Administration, DCED, the Department of Agriculture, and The Wenger Group as we work together to protect family-sustaining jobs, strengthen the regional food supply chain, and create a stable foundation for the future of Plainville Farms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Agriculture contributes $132.5 billion annually to Pennsylvania\u2019s economy, according to the administration, and is one of five priority industries identified in the state\u2019s economic development strategy. The Shapiro administration reported attracting more than $41 billion in private-sector investment since 2023, creating more than 24,000 jobs statewide.<\/p>\n