Sanderson Farms is reviving plans to build a $121.4 million chicken-processing plant in Kinston, giving an economic boost to Lenoir County.

The Mississippi company had postponed plans for the plant in June 2008 amid soaring feed and fuel costs.

The complex will include a new feed mill, poultry processing plant and hatchery. It's expected to employ 1,500 people, require 130 contract growers and process 1.25 million birds a week. Construction is expected to start later this summer.

"We are pleased that better overall market conditions, our financial performance and a strong balance sheet have put us in a position to continue to grow our company," said CEO Joe F. Sanderson Jr.