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

Core Insights - Pilgrim's announced a $400 million investment to expand its operations in Georgia, specifically by building a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, which will create over 630 jobs at full capacity [1][3]. Company Expansion - The new facility will focus on producing fully cooked chicken products, supporting the growth of Pilgrim's prepared foods business, including brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim's, and Gold Kist [3]. - Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025, with hiring anticipated to start in 2027, coinciding with the completion of the first phase of the facility [3]. Economic Impact - The investment reflects Pilgrim's commitment to the region and aligns with the company's long-term growth strategy [3]. - Currently, Pilgrim's supports approximately 7,500 jobs across Georgia and operates seven food production facilities, contributing significantly to the local economy [2][6]. - Local officials, including the Mayor of LaFayette and the Chairwoman of Walker County Government, expressed that the new jobs will provide stable employment and long-term security for residents [4][5]. Industry Context - Agriculture remains Georgia's leading industry, with companies like Pilgrim's driving growth and creating quality jobs in local communities [2][5]. - The expansion of Pilgrim's operations is seen as a natural progression that will enhance the local economy and support partnerships with local poultry growers [4].