CHARLES CITY, Iowa – The former Custom Poultry Processing plant, which ceased operations earlier this year after filing for bankruptcy protection, was purchased at an auction by two companies for $2.3 million. Chicago-based Charles Austin Ltd., and C-Go International Inc., were the successful bidders for the plant, and plans are for the facility to be operational again by Sept. 1, according to theGlobe Gazette.

Plans include initially hiring 100 workers and increasing the number to 150 by year’s end, said a spokesman for the new owners. Officials plan to add a second shift in 2012, he added.