Foster Farms says a $30 million upgrade to their poultry processing plant in Farmerville is in the works.

Gov. John Bel Edwards and the company announced the plans for the Farmerville plant on Wednesday, saying the upgrade will create 50 new jobs.

The state saved the plant in 2009 when previous owner Pilgrim's Pride announced its closing. Then-Gov. Bobby Jindal came up with $40 million in state funding to help Foster Farms buy the plant.

Construction for the expansion project has started, expected to be complete by October. The state is providing a $500,000 modernization tax credit for the upgrade.