2013/05/06 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE SALE OF THE ASSETS OF TOWNSEND/OMTRON TO A BIDDER INTERESTED IN OPERATING THE FACILITYHarnett
COUNTY
www.harnett.org
RESOLUTION OF THE HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
IN SUPPORT OF THE SALE OF THE ASSETS OF TOWNSEND/OMTRON
TO A BIDDER INTERESTED IN OPERATING THE FACILITY
WHEREAS, at the time that Omtron purchased the Townsend assets out of bankruptcy in
February 2011, the company had processing plants in Siler City and Pittsboro, two feed mills and a
hatchery, with a labor force of over 1,300; and
WHEREAS, estimated 18 contract growers' farms were in Harnett County as well; and
WHEREAS, Townsend-Omtron owns over 300,000 square feet of buildings on over 750 acres
of land in Chatham County with an assessed value of over $10 million; and
WHEREAS, Townsend-Omtron also owns equipment valued at over $14 million; and
WHEREAS, loss of income would be over 10,000 per house per year of net profit; farm average
about four houses per farm; income loss per year is over $7.2 million; and
WHEREAS, all of the 1,300 jobs have been lost after Omtron ceased operations in September
2011 and the contract growers have lost their income stream; and
WHEREAS, total economic impact for Harnett County is $64.2 million per year; and
WHEREAS, the closure of the Siler City plant resulted in the loss of approximately 30 percent of
the town's enterprise fund revenue base, leading the town to have to revise its water rate structure such
that the typical customer experienced a 30 percent increase; and
WHEREAS, bankruptcy proceedings in the United States District Court for the Middle District
of North Carolina appear to be moving toward an auction;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners of Harnett County that the
bankruptcy court be encouraged to look favorably on any reasonable bid from an entity proposing to
restart the poultry operation.
Adopted the 6th day of May, 2013.
Attest:
et Regina W eler, Clerk
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