Pilgrim's to Build $400M Prepared Foods Facility in Georgia, Creating 630 Jobs

Pilgrim's is investing $400 million to build a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia. The facility will create over 630 new jobs and support the company's growing prepared foods business. The project is expected to begin in 2025 and hiring in 2027. Pilgrim's is a leading global provider of high-quality food products and already supports an estimated 7,500 jobs across Georgia.

Pilgrim’s, a leading global provider of high-quality food products, has announced a significant investment of $400 million to expand its footprint in Georgia. The company will build a new, multi-phase prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, supporting over 630 new jobs at full capacity. This expansion underscores Pilgrim’s commitment to the region and its long-term growth strategy.

The new facility, located on a 100-acre site in the Walker County Business Park, will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products to support the growth of Pilgrim’s fast-growing prepared foods business. The project is expected to commence in the fall of 2025, with hiring slated to begin in 2027, aligning with the expected completion of the first phase of construction [1].

Governor Brian Kemp highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “Georgia's No. 1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrim’s creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette. As our state's economy continues to advance, we are excited to see these continued innovations and the opportunities they will bring for hardworking Georgians” [1].

Pilgrim’s CEO, Fabio Sandri, emphasized the company’s role in creating jobs and being a strong community partner. He noted that the investment will allow further growth of brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist, and support increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels [1].

LaFayette Mayor and chairman of the Walker County Development Authority, Andy Arnold, welcomed the company to Walker County and expressed excitement about the creation of up to 630 jobs for the area. Chairwoman and CEO Angie Teems of Walker County Government echoed this sentiment, stating that this is a tremendous opportunity for the county to provide stable jobs and long-term security for residents who want to work where they live [1].

This expansion comes at a time when Pilgrim’s is already supporting an estimated 7,500 jobs across Georgia and operates seven food production facilities, in addition to supporting operations like feed mills and hatcheries [1].

References:
[1] http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/pilgrims-to-build-new-prepared-foods-facility-in-walker-county-georgia-84476