Tauherr Poultry will hire 15 to 25 workers at first at the 8.1-acre former American Dehydrated Foods property, said Terry Nichols, a former Allen Family Foods employee and a partner in the new business.

Delmarva Now reports Mr Nichols saying that an opening date for the plant, as well as the type of processing that will be done there, are still undecided.

He added: "We're still in communications with potential customers and buyers."

The company plans to process halal chickens, which are birds slaughtered and prepared according to Islamic dietary laws – similar to kosher food preparations in the Jewish faith.

Halal foods are a $550 billion industry worldwide, and are used by the 1.6 million Muslims living in the United States.

"We're just looking to develop a very authentic brand," Mr Nichols said.

He and his business partner, who have a combined 40 years experience in the poultry industry, are scheduled to brief Princess Anne Town Commissioners on the new venture at a meeting next week, said Dennis Williams, president of the Commissioners.

The arrival of a new company in the industrial park is good news for the town which saw a series of closures there in 2008, he said.