Turkey processor plans 212 job cuts in Robeson

Prestage Foods in August will lay off 212 workers at its turkey processing plant in Robeson County.

The company will reduce operations to one shift at the 200,000 square-foot facility in St. Pauls, about 80 miles southwest of Raleigh. Prestage blamed industry over supply, reduced demand for turkey breast meat and high ingredient costs for the cuts.

After the layoffs, which will take effect August 31, the company will employ 300 and process about 7 million birds annually.

“We believe this action will position Prestage Foods to be more successful in the future,” according to a statement from the company. “We expect lower costs and improved markets in 2010.”