Wayne Farms, LLC, Oakwood, Ga., announced plans to expand its Dothan, Ala., fresh processing facility.

The expansion will double the facility’s capacity and includes building an additional 42,000 square feet and adding a minimum of 500 jobs. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in mid-2016.

“Wayne Farms is excited for the opportunity to expand our business and bring jobs to the local area,” says Clint Rivers, chief operating officer. “With the rising demand for chicken, we have an opportunity to increase our output.”

The current Dothan plant consists of a 105,000-square-foot fresh processing facility and employs 356 people.