Pilgrim’s Announces $400 Million Investment in Prepared Foods Production

Pilgrim’s is set to revolutionize its prepared foods division by investing $400 million in a state-of-the-art production facility in LaFayette, Georgia. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the company’s fully cooked chicken offerings, generating over 630 new jobs upon completion.

A Major Boost for Value-Added Poultry

The upcoming plant will specialize in a diverse array of fully cooked chicken products, including breaded strips, nuggets, and other ready-to-eat items. These products will be marketed under prominent Pilgrim’s brands, including Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist. This initiative underscores Pilgrim’s commitment to expanding its presence in the value-added poultry sector, catering to both retail and foodservice markets with high-demand, convenient options.

Leadership at Pilgrim’s emphasized that this expansion aligns with evolving consumer preferences for quick, protein-rich meals, reinforcing the company’s intent to bolster supply chain resilience and product availability across the nation.

Multi-Phase Project Set to Begin This Fall

Construction is scheduled to kick off in Fall 2025 at the Walker County Business Park. The project will unfold in phases, enabling production to ramp up as components of the facility are completed. Hiring efforts are slated to commence in 2027, with workforce development and training programs planned to foster local employment opportunities.

Economic Impact and Industry Momentum

This significant investment is not just about job creation; it promises to exert a considerable economic impact on the local and regional poultry industry. By supporting growers, transporters, feed suppliers, and related businesses, Pilgrim’s is reinforcing its role within the broader agricultural landscape.

Currently, Pilgrim’s operates numerous facilities throughout Georgia, employing thousands in its processing, hatchery, and feed sectors. This latest expansion exemplifies confidence in the poultry industry’s future and solidifies Georgia’s status as a national leader in protein production.

What It Means for the Poultry Industry

• Shift Toward Prepared Foods

  This investment mirrors the increasing consumer demand for convenience in the protein aisle, emphasizing the importance of fully cooked products.

• Industry Growth

  With over 630 jobs linked to this new plant, the poultry sector remains a pillar of rural economic development.

• Infrastructure Commitment

  The long-term commitment to facility development reflects Pilgrim’s dedication to strategic growth and operational expansion in critical regions.

Stay connected with PoultryProducer.com for the latest updates on this exciting project and upcoming hiring announcements.

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