Pilgrim’s to Build New Prepared Foods Facility, Creating 630 New Jobs in Walker County, Georgia

Rhea-AI Summary

Pilgrim's (NASDAQ:PPC) has announced a significant expansion in Georgia with a $400 million investment to construct a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County. The facility will create over 630 new jobs at full capacity and will produce fully cooked chicken products to support the company's growing prepared foods business.

Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with hiring expected to commence in 2027 following the completion of the first phase. The project will expand Pilgrim's brands including Just Bare, Pilgrim's, and Gold Kist, supporting increased demand in retail and foodservice channels. The company currently maintains seven food production facilities in Georgia and supports approximately 7,500 jobs in the state.

Positive

• Major $400 million investment demonstrates strong growth commitment
• Creation of 630 new jobs at full capacity
• Expansion of prepared foods business to meet growing retail and foodservice demand
• Strategic location in Georgia strengthens existing regional presence of 7,500 jobs

Negative

• Long timeline with hiring not beginning until 2027
• Multi-phase construction could face potential delays or cost overruns

GREELEY, Colo., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pilgrim’s, one of the world’s leading food companies, today announced it will invest $400 million to expand its footprint in Georgia. The company will build a new, multi-phase prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, supporting more than 630 new jobs at full capacity.

“Georgia's No. 1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrim’s creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “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.”

Pilgrim’s is a leading global provider of high-quality food products. Across Georgia, the company currently supports an estimated 7,500 jobs and operates seven food production facilities, in addition to supporting facilities like feed mills and hatcheries.

“Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO. “This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business by expanding brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist, and supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels. We are also proud of our role in creating jobs and being a strong community partner.”

The new facility, located at the Walker County Business Park in LaFayette, will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products to support the growth of its fast-growing prepared foods business. The project is expected to get underway in the fall of 2025, and hiring is expected to begin in 2027, aligning with the expected completion of the first phase of construction. To learn more about Pilgrim’s, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit jobs.pilgrims.com.

“We welcome Pilgrim's to Walker County and LaFayette,” said LaFayette Mayor and Chairman of the Walker County Development Authority Andy Arnold. “Pilgrim’s has a wonderful history of positive community involvement, and the creation of up to 630 jobs for our area is a game changer for many families. We look forward to our partnership.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Walker County to provide stable jobs and long-term security for residents who want to work where they live,” said Chairwoman and CEO Angie Teems, Walker County Government. “Not only is this a well-respected company with a strong track record, but it already has a presence in our community through its partnerships with local poultry growers. Expanding their operations here is a natural next step that will strengthen our local economy and reinforce our county’s commitment to supporting hardworking families.”

Senior Regional Project Manager Lori Dowdy represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Walker County Development Authority and Georgia Quick Start.

“We are excited that Pilgrim’s continues to grow its footprint and drive economic opportunities here in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Agriculture has long been the backbone of our economy, laying the groundwork for today’s thriving food and beverage sector. Critical industries like cold storage and logistics build on that legacy, generating jobs and opportunities across the state. Congratulations to Walker County for helping bring these new investments and possibilities to LaFayette.”

 About Pilgrim’s

Pilgrim’s employs over 61,000 people and operates protein processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland, and continental Europe. The Company’s primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors. For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.

Media Contact:

Nikki Richardson
Corporate Communications
nikki.richardson@jbssa.com

FAQ

How much is Pilgrim's (PPC) investing in the new Georgia facility?

Pilgrim's is investing $400 million to build a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia.

How many jobs will Pilgrim's new Georgia facility create?

The new facility will create more than 630 new jobs at full capacity in Walker County.

When will Pilgrim's begin construction and hiring for the new Georgia facility?

Construction will begin in fall 2025, with hiring expected to start in 2027 after the first phase of construction is completed.

What products will Pilgrim's produce at the new Georgia facility?

The facility will produce fully cooked chicken products under brands including Just Bare, Pilgrim's, and Gold Kist for retail and foodservice channels.

How many facilities does Pilgrim's currently operate in Georgia?

Pilgrim's currently operates seven food production facilities in Georgia, along with supporting facilities like feed mills and hatcheries, employing approximately 7,500 people.