PINE BLUFF, AR -- To folks in Pine Bluff, the sound of hammers isn't considered noise.
It's music.
Crews are remodeling the old Tyson plant that has sat idle for more than a decade. In a few months, it will be Horizon Foods.
"We find it to be nice and the people are very nice and we think we will have a great future here," said Dave Hollister, who serves as the general contractor.
The plant will slaughter hens that can no longer lay eggs. These hens are older, more tender in texture, and are generally exported and eaten in other countries.
In addition to the great location to suppliers, Hollister said the county's economic development agency, called "The Alliance," made the deal too sweet to turn away.
"I can't say enough about The Alliance. Any business that comes through Pine Bluff needs to work through The Alliance," said Hollister.
"It's a blessing to get the jobs here," said Kendrick Williams, owner of Pop's Barber & Beauty Shop in Pine Bluff.
All across town, three hundred twenty nine jobs coming to the city topped conversations, even in Pop's Barber & Beauty Shop.
"By you give people a chance to work it will help with the crime. People will get up and start to doing something instead of being out on the street," said Williams.
Williams believes more jobs will equal fewer criminals and a change in perception.
"When you don't see something here it makes people think it's a bad city. It's not a bad city," said Williams.
If you would like to apply for a job at Horizon Foods, apply in person at the site on West Second Street in Pine Bluff or at the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.
