Steve Whetzel started his 36-year career working for the company on July 6, 1989, which was then named WLR Foods, Inc. His first job with the company was at the Broadway hatchery, and then he transferred to the lab and worked there for several years. In 2018, he transferred to the Moorefield facility and worked as a Broiler Service Technician. In 2023, he worked as a Breeder Tech based at the Broadway facility and after a year, he returned to Moorefield Broilers, where he currently works.
I asked Steve how much has changed since he started working for the company, and he said there have been so many changes. There is much more technology now, a lot of things are computerized and the company policies are different. He remembers using handcart dollies moving chicks at the Hatchery and machines now move them. The amount of birds processed have increased tremendously, which affects the entire complex. Steve appreciates having worked in different areas of the complex and said doing this has given him the ability to see and understand the entire process overall.
Steve and I talked about the supervisors and managers he has worked for during his years with the company. He said he enjoyed working for all of them and worked well with them.
When I asked Steve about the most memorable event he remembers since he started working, he said a year ago when he was diagnosed with cancer, many of the growers and his coworkers hosted a fund-raising event for him. Steve is so grateful for their support and not only for the event, but especially for everyone’s prayers and thoughtfulness during this difficult time in his life.
When Steve isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also likes hunting, fishing and the occasional golf game. He takes one day at a time and lives in the moment.
What does the future hold for Steve? He will continue working at Pilgrim’s as long as he can and hopes to retire when the time comes. He said he is going to enjoy every moment of every day!
Thank you, Steve, for your dedication, hard work and loyalty to our Company!
About Pilgrim’s
Pilgrim’s employs more than 56,000 people and operates protein processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K. and continental Europe. The Company’s primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors. For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.
