Perdue Farms will resume grain and oilseed operations at its Cofield, North Carolina, facility beginning Aug. 3, following a February explosion that killed one worker.
The company announced Monday it will restart operations in phases, with oilseed crush operations returning to normal first, followed by grain receiving operations. Since completing feed mill dismantling June 12, Perdue has worked to prepare the facility for safe reopening.
“Throughout this process, safety has remained the company’s highest priority,” Perdue stated. “Perdue remains committed to ensuring associates can return to work in a safe environment and that operations resume responsibly and reliably.”
The grain receiving and oilseed crush operations were not damaged in the Feb. 21 incident but remained closed due to proximity to the feed mill. The investigation into the explosion’s cause continues, with Perdue cooperating fully with local, state and federal authorities.
An explosion occurred at the feed mill facility early morning Feb. 21. Four associates were onsite at the time. One died, one was hospitalized, and two were treated and released. The facility has remained closed since.
After consulting engineers and independent experts, Perdue determined the feed mill structure could not be safely repaired. Dismantling began April 20 and finished June 12, using specialized contractors in a controlled process.
During the facility closure, Perdue has worked with Cofield-based associates to identify transfer opportunities across operations for those wishing to continue with the company. The company has also supported grain and oilseed crush associates preparing for the restart.
Between March and April, the site experienced intermittent rubble fires beneath remaining debris. Perdue engaged specialized fire suppression professionals to monitor and manage the site until demolition eliminated the underlying source.
Perdue issued precautionary Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices in March but did not expect the WARN Act to be triggered. The company has continued extending pay and benefits for affected team members throughout the closure.
The Cofield facility has been part of Perdue’s grain, oilseed and feed operations since the mid-1970s.
