News Summary
Pilgrim’s Pride has announced a $400 million investment in a new poultry processing facility in LaFayette, Georgia, creating over 630 jobs for local residents. Construction is set to begin in the fall, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2027. This expansion aims to enhance the company’s portfolio in the prepared foods market, reflecting a growing demand in the industry. Local leaders have expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential economic benefits and alignment with sustainable practices.
LaFayette, Georgia to Welcome New $400 Million Poultry Processing Plant
Pilgrim’s Pride, one of the largest poultry and pork producers in the United States, has announced plans to invest $400 million in a new facility located in LaFayette, Walker County, northwest Georgia. This new project is expected to create over 630 jobs for local residents as it focuses on producing fully cooked chicken products.
The development of the new plant is planned to occur in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in fall 2025. The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed by 2027. This expansion aims to enhance Pilgrim’s portfolio in the precooked meal segment, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify into prepared foods and reduce reliance on traditional commodity poultry production.
The new facility is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the LaFayette community and surrounding areas. With the creation of over 630 jobs, local residents will have new employment opportunities in an industry that has considerable growth potential. Pilgrim’s Pride currently employs approximately 7,500 people across seven facilities in Georgia and supports several feed mills and hatcheries, making it a significant player in the local economy.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and LaFayette Mayor Andy Arnold have expressed their support for the project, emphasizing its positive impact on the local economy. This support underlines the community’s anticipation for the job creation and economic stimulation that the plant’s construction and operation are likely to bring.
The investment in LaFayette comes at a time when the prepared foods sector is expected to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030. Pilgrim’s expansion into this arena aims to bolster its existing brands, including Just Bare and Gold Kist, and to cater to the increasing demand in both retail and foodservice markets. This strategic shift not only positions Pilgrim’s Pride to capitalize on emerging trends but also reinforces the company’s commitment to remain competitive in the evolving food industry.
Pilgrim’s Pride’s investment in the LaFayette plant is also part of its broader commitment to sustainable practices and community support. The company, which operates 26 slaughter plants, 33 hatcheries, and 27 feed mills, is dedicated to enhancing job creation while promoting practices that benefit local communities. As the second-largest poultry producer in the U.S., its growth strategy reflects confidence in the long-term potential of the prepared foods market and the importance of sustainability in production processes.
As construction begins and the facility takes shape over the next few years, LaFayette is poised for a significant transformation that could reshape the local economic landscape. With the promise of job creation and growth in the prepared foods sector, Pilgrim’s Pride is setting the stage for a prosperous future in northwest Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CoStar: Pilgrim’s Pride to Build Georgia Facility
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- AINVEST: Pilgrim’s Pride $400 Million Georgia Expansion
- Google Scholar: Poultry Processing Economic Impact
- GlobeNewswire: Pilgrim’s to Build New Prepared Foods Facility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Industry
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- Google News: Pilgrim’s Pride Georgia Expansion
