Cavel plant is back in business

DeKALB - Cavel International has reached about 50 percent of its anticipated staffing level a month since restarting horse-slaughtering operations at its newly built plant. According to Cavel Manager Jim Tucker, about 20 employees are now working at the facility. The plant is expected to employ up to 40 workers, produce close to $1.1 million annually in payroll tax revenue and pay about $90,000 in local property taxes once it reaches full operations. Cavel, 108 Harvestore Drive, is one of three plants in America that slaughter horses for food to be consumed overseas. Tucker declined to comment on exact production numbers since the facility's license was renewed with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on June 2, but confirmed that Cavel