Eden Valley Poultry will take over the Larsen Packers Ltd plant, according to CBC News. This move will mean 100 poultry workers will keep their jobs, and another 100 will be hired in 2012.

Ian Blenkhorn, a director with Eden Valley, said this is good news for chicken and turkey farmers in both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

He said: "We've suffered through those bad news stories. There was inefficiency in the industry and what we're doing now is creating a new facility – a modern efficient facility – that is sustainable and can be profitable for the long term."

He added that buying the Larsen plant instead of one in Kentville will also save the company C$8 million.

Dean Tupper, a plant worker for Eden Valley and a union representative, said it is good news. "This announcement is good for us. It means the industry is staying here in Nova Scotia, like they promised us it would, and it means another 100 jobs or so. So, it's all good news for us," he said.

"I don't think anyone has real job security, but a new investment in a new plant and more chickens coming into the province, it's got to be good news."

Berwick Mayor John Prall is also celebrating the news. He said switching from pork to poultry will stabilize his community's future.

Eden Valley said the sale is expected to close on 13 May.

CBC News reports that the poultry processing company includes poultry farmers in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and Maple Lodge Holding Corp., based in Brampton, Ontario.