Jul. 3--ST. PAULS -- A Robeson County turkey processing plant said Thursday that it will lay off more than 200 workers.

Officials with Prestage Foods Inc., an affiliate of Clinton-based Prestage Farms, said declining demand and higher food costs prompted the move to eliminate the 200,000-square-foot plant's second shift in late August.

Jack Haliburton, assistant manager of the Robeson County Employment Security Commission, said the 212 jobs that will be affected represent a "significant impact" on the county's economy.

Robeson County's unemployment rose to 12 percent in May, according to the most recent release from the state ESC. That's up from 11.5 percent in April.

According to the ESC, statewide unemployment is at 11.1 percent.

Haliburton said the county has already seen increased unemployment claims and that the ESC will work with those who lose their jobs.

About 700 people currently work at the plant, according to the company's Web site.

The layoffs will come just two years after $3.5 million was invested in the 2005 facility and 50 jobs were added as the company expanded its product lines.

The Prestage Foods plant is at 4470 East N.C. 20 in St. Pauls, a town of just more than 2,000 people, according to the latest census estimates.

Neither the mayor of St. Pauls nor the town manager could be reached for comment Thursday.

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