(Eaton, OH)--Employees of Henny Penny in Eaton learned in a surprise meeting at Eaton High School on Thursday that it will become an employee-owned company. "This was a big surprise. This gives us an opportunity to remain privately-held and remain headquartered in Eaton," said CEO Steve Cobb. Henny Penny employs 600 people. Last fall, they announced a $7.5 million expansion. The company designs and produces food equipment for clients like KFC, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A.