FLORENCE–Gemstone Foods, L.L.C. has purchased the former Hillshire facility near the Port of Florence and opened a poultry processing production facility. The Florence operation will provide processing and other value added services, such as marinating and seasoning for food service customers. The company has committed to improving and modernizing the aging facility through various renovations, new equipment purchases, and other capital improvements.
Heath Loyd, President and Chief Operating Officer, Gemstone
Gemstone will invest over $11 million and has committed to hiring 296 employees. The company is very optimistic about recapturing some of the previous workforce from Hillshire and working with the Shoals community to round out their workforce needs. The company will pay competitive and comparable wages to similar employers in the area and slightly higher in terms of poultry processing compensation. Gemstone wants to become a contributing member of the community and has partnered with the City of Florence and SEDA for support.
President and CEO, Heath Lloyd, told the SEDA Board that he believed the facility would grow to more than the 296 employees committed and possibly could be the future home of the company’s corporate headquarters.
Media Release/Shoals Economic Development Authority
