March 14, 2023
Hannibal, Mo. — Jones Poultry, a family-owned poultry processing company, announced today that it will expand into Hannibal, investing $6 million and creating approximately 50 new jobs. The company is expanding its Illinois-based operations into Missouri, due to the state’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce.
“We’re thrilled Jones Poultry is expanding into our state to benefit from its many business advantages,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This expansion into Hannibal is another success story that demonstrates the value of our commitment to workforce and infrastructure. We welcome Jones Poultry to Missouri and look forward to its continued success as it grows and creates jobs here in the Show-Me State.”
Founded by Cecil and Hazel Jones in 1940, and later purchased by Duane Venvertloh and a business partner from their daughter, Charlotte Jones in 1996. Jones Poultry has grown and modernized its operations into a state-of-the-art, USDA-inspected secondary poultry processing facility.
Today, Jones Poultry is owned exclusively by the Duane Venvertloh family. The family-operated business offers a complete line of fresh poultry products to their customers, including restaurants, grocery stores, nursing homes and broad line food service distributors, throughout the country and is a leader in developing innovative solutions in response to its customers’ needs. Combine that with years of experience and attention to quality, and it makes it easy to see why more people choose Jones Poultry.
“We are proud of our company’s modest beginnings and continue to honor the name of the Jones family,” said Duane Venvertloh, president and CEO of Jones Poultry. “Our team works hard to provide quality products and service that our customers deserve. When you choose Jones Poultry, you’ve picked the very best.
“We sincerely thank Corey Mehaffy, the HREDC, Ralls County, the Hannibal City Council, and all those involved in assisting with this latest step in the growth of Jones Poultry.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with Duane and the Jones Poultry team on this project,” said Corey Mehaffy, Executive Director of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council. “This facility has been shuttered for several years. I am grateful for this investment that will bring the facility back into service and create new jobs for the area.”
“An investment of this magnitude in rural Ralls County is a real testament to the economic vitality of the area and will spur additional investment,” said Mehaffy. “This project is a great example of the importance of public/private partnerships and what can be accomplished when we work together. I would like to thank the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Hannibal City Council, City Staff, City Attorney James Lemon, HREDC Special Counsel for Economic Development the late Tom Cunningham of Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, Ralls County Assessor Josh Ketsenburg and the Ralls County Commission.”
“It’s always exciting to see a company choose Missouri as a place to call home,” said Maggie Kost, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re excited for the positive impact Jones Poultry will bring to Hannibal as it invests in the community. Thanks to support from our partners, another quality employer is creating opportunities for Missourians.”
With the larger size of the new plant, Jones Poultry will be able to increase its production and is looking to hire more employees in all positions, including but not limited to processing, sanitation, maintenance, customer service, sales and management. The company expects to begin production by the end of April 2023.
“Jones Poultry believes that people are the heart of any business and dedicates itself to providing a well-managed workplace where our employees can thrive,” said Stacey O’Brien, Director of Human Resources. “In addition, Jones recognizes the need to attract and retain great talent and has taken this into account in the design of the plant, incorporating many features to create a modern and inviting environment.”
Jones Poultry is hosting an on-site recruiting event for all positions on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Candidates interested in learning more about career opportunities at Jones are encouraged to attend. More information about Jones Poultry and job openings can be found online at www.jonespoultry.com
For this expansion, Jones Poultry will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
