Pilgrim’s Announces Major Investment in Walker County

News Summary

Pilgrim’s plans to invest $400 million in a new prepared foods facility in Walker County, generating over 630 jobs. The facility will produce various fully cooked chicken products and is expected to boost the local economy significantly. Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2025, with hiring for new positions expected to start in 2027.

LaFayette, Georgia – Pilgrim’s, a prominent player in the food industry, plans to invest $400 million in constructing a new prepared foods facility in Walker County. This significant development is expected to generate over 630 new jobs upon its completion and initiation of operations.

The new facility, located on a 100-acre site in the Walker County Business Park, just north of Audia Plastics along Highway 27, aims to produce a range of fully cooked chicken products. These items will include popular offerings such as chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and lightly breaded chicken breast strips. The products are expected to be marketed under well-known brand names, including Just Bare and Pilgrim’s, and will be made available at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

Construction of this state-of-the-art facility is slated to commence in the fall of 2025, with an anticipated completion by 2027. The phased approach of the project means that hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in 2027, following the finishing of the first construction phase. Once operational, Pilgrim’s will significantly enhance its manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, a state where it currently employs around 7,500 individuals at seven different food production facilities, including feed mills and hatcheries.

This investment by Pilgrim’s marks the largest single job addition announced in the Chattanooga area in five years and represents the third-largest capital investment in the region during that same timeframe. The local community and its leaders have expressed strong support for Pilgrim’s commitment, recognizing its potential to positively impact the local economy and job market.

The project received backing from several key organizations, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Walker County Development Authority, and Georgia Quick Start, which are instrumental in facilitating such economic advancements in the area. Local officials, such as the chairwoman of the Walker County Board of Commissioners and the mayor of LaFayette, have commended this investment, viewing it as a boost to the community’s economic growth and employment opportunities.

Governor Brian Kemp also acknowledged the significance of this investment, underscoring the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and the importance of creating jobs in this sector. Pilgrim’s existing workforce reflects its expansive reach, employing over 61,000 individuals across 14 states, as well as locations in Puerto Rico, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and continental Europe. The company’s strategic investment in Walker County is seen as a pivotal move to further strengthen its footprint in the region while contributing to local economic stability.

This large-scale project exemplifies the commitment of Pilgrim’s to not only grow its business but also invest in the communities where it operates, helping to create job opportunities and support local economies for years to come.

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