Pilgrim's new chicken processing facility under construction in LaFayette, creating significant job opportunities.
Pilgrim’s announced a $400 million investment to build a new chicken processing facility in LaFayette, creating over 630 jobs. Set to begin in 2025, this initiative aims to meet the demand for fully-cooked chicken products and enhance the local economy. The facility will offer job training and foster long-term employment stability in Walker County, marking a significant development for the community.
Pilgrim’s has announced a significant investment of $400 million to establish a new chicken processing facility in LaFayette, which will create over 630 new jobs in Walker County. This upcoming facility is part of the company’s strategy to expand its operations and respond to the growing demand for fully-cooked chicken products within the retail and foodservice sectors.
The new plant will be constructed at the Walker County Business Park, where it will specialize in producing a variety of fully-cooked chicken items, including chicken nuggets and lightly breaded chicken strips. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2025, with hiring anticipated to commence in 2027.
Pilgrim’s currently operates seven food production facilities within Georgia and employs approximately 7,500 people throughout the state. This new facility will further solidify Pilgrim’s commitment to the local job market, enhancing the economic landscape of Walker County.
LaFayette’s local leaders view this investment as a transformative opportunity for the community. The Mayor of LaFayette and Chairman of the Walker County Development Authority welcomed the news as a “game changer” for families in the area. Moreover, the Walker County CEO and Board of Commissioners Chairwoman highlighted the promise of stable employment and long-term security that this development will provide for local residents.
The project’s advancement also involves collaboration with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Georgia Quick Start to provide job training initiatives for future employees. This partnership aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the new facility, laying the groundwork for a transition into stable employment.
The LaFayette facility marks the largest single job addition announced in the Chattanooga area in the last five years. It is also the third-largest capital investment within that same timeframe, demonstrating the growing interest and commitment to developments in the region. This expansion of Pilgrim’s operations is expected to positively impact the local economy by stimulating job growth and supporting surrounding businesses.
Governor Brian Kemp stressed the importance of agriculture to Georgia’s economy and highlighted the expansion opportunities that initiatives like this bring to communities such as LaFayette. With the establishment of new jobs and the increase in local economic activity, the community stands to benefit significantly from Pilgrim’s commitment.
Pilgrim’s is an internationally recognized brand, employing over 61,000 people across its facilities in 14 states, as well as locations in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The company’s growth reflects an ongoing demand for its prepared foods brands, which encompass names like Just Bare and Country Pride.
The new processing facility will be strategically located on a 100-acre site near Audia Plastics, just north of Highway 27 in Walker County. By combining local resources with Pilgrim’s extensive operational experience, the development is poised to enhance both the local employment landscape and the company’s production capacities.
In summary, the unfolding project promises not only to bolster the local economy but also to enhance the state’s agricultural industry through providing competitive job opportunities and supporting local business growth. As Pilgrim’s continues to expand its operations, the LaFayette facility stands as a testament to the potential for economic development in Walker County and beyond.
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