PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The closure of a chicken processing plant will put 433 people out of work, according to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and mayor.
The Perdue Plant in Monterey will cease production on March 28, 2025, according to the company.
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Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter shared information on the closure from Perdue:
This decision comes as part of the company’s overall focus on continuous improvement and modernization of its supply chain to meet evolving consumer demands and operational needs. Changes in market demand and how the company produces and supplies its products have impacted the Monterey facility in recent years. Addressing these challenges would require substantial additional investments to maintain operations.
This was difficult news for our associates, and please know a decision like this is something we take very seriously, and one that was not made lightly. We are committed to doing everything we can to help our associates through this transition. To support affected associates, Perdue will provide severance packages, which include extended WARN protections for up to ten weeks, additional severance pay beyond the standard compensation, and job placement support to assist in their transition.
We also understand that this impacts the broader town of Monterey and its neighbors. We have been proud to be part of your community for these past years and are grateful for the relationships forged and partnerships made.
Perdue corporate statement
“While this decision is incredibly difficult, it is necessary to ensure Perdue remains fit for the future,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms, in a release. “We must make challenging choices today to continue to serve our customers and consumers effectively, and to continue to grow our company. This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to treating every impacted associate with dignity, respect, and care. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Monterey team for their hard work and dedication and remain proud of the contributions they’ve made to our business.”
The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce also released a statement, which reads:
Our hearts are with the 433 Perdue employees in Monterey who will be impacted by the plant’s closure. This is a challenging time for these individuals and their families. Perdue has been a valued partner to our community, and while words alone cannot ease their burden, we are committed to action.
The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber is working closely with local leaders and workforce officials to organize a career fair to connect affected employees with resources and job opportunities. Details will be announced soon.
Perdue and its local leadership have long supported our Chamber, the Highlands Economic Partnership, local schools, and nonprofits across the region. This closure is not just a loss for Monterey—my hometown—but for all of Putnam County and beyond. These employees are our neighbors and friends who have contributed so much to our community. We are dedicated to helping them navigate this transition.
If your business has open positions, please post them on the Chamber’s website under the “Jobs” section so we can connect displaced workers with new opportunities. Now is the time for our community to come together and show the strength and compassion that define Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland.
Amy New, President & CEO
President New said the chamber is committed to action and is organizing a career fair. Plus, they ask businesses to post job openings on the chamber’s website.
“We live in a very strong community, which I have full faith will come together and show our strength by helping our fellow citizens with job opportunities and resources,” explained Mayor Porter in a statement.
