Perdue Farms issued precautionary Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices today for its Cofield, N.C., feed mill, which has remained closed since a Feb. 21 explosion killed one worker and injured three others.
The company said it does not expect the WARN Act to be triggered but issued the notices out of caution and transparency. Associates have been informed directly about what this means for their continued employment with Perdue.
"While the facility remains closed, we are supporting our associates, including extending pay and benefits for affected team members," the company said in a statement released today. "Our focus is ensuring associates and their families have access to the resources, care, and support they need."
The incident remains under investigation by the company and independent third-party specialists, in coordination with local, state and federal authorities. Perdue said it would be premature to speculate on the cause.
Company leadership held a second in-person town hall today to listen, answer questions and share updates with associates from the Cofield operations. Senior leaders remain engaged and committed to ongoing, transparent communication with the team.
Four associates were onsite at the time of the explosion. Two were treated and released from the hospital, one remains hospitalized, and one member of the team died. The company confirmed the death Feb. 22.
Cofield has been part of Perdue's grain, oilseed and feed operations since the mid-1970s. The facility has played an important role in supporting the local agricultural community.
Perdue has business continuity plans in place and is utilizing other feed manufacturing resources within its network to continue producing feed and ensure contracted growers have what they need while the facility remains closed.
"This is a challenging and emotional time for our associates, their families, and the Cofield community," the company said. "We are committed to transparency, accountability, and care for our people, and we will continue to share updates as information is confirmed."
