Butterball LLC, Garner, N.C., is expanding its Raeford, N.C., operations to include a new production line for turkey bacon products. The $20 million project will add 50 jobs.

Butterball arrived in Hoke County in February 2015, assuming part of the operations formerly held by House of Raeford, Raeford, N.C. Demand by diet-conscious consumers accounts for the growing popularity of turkey bacon, which contains fewer calories than traditional pork bacon.

“When Butterball opened the Raeford plant in 2015, we knew we had a great workforce and a state-of-the-art facility, but the overall operation has exceeded our expectations,” says Barry Gum, chief financial officer. “Butterball appreciates the continued support of the City of Raeford, Hoke County, NC Southeast and the State of North Carolina. We are a proud North Carolina-based company, and are excited about the opportunity to continue to grow our business within the state.”