Cargill invests US$60M in Thailand poultry expansion, AI automation
The investment will expand cooked chicken production, increase grain storage and introduce AI across Cargill’s Thai poultry network.
THAILAND – Cargill is investing Bt2 billion ($60 million) in Thailand to expand cooked poultry production, automate operations and strengthen its feed supply chain as global demand for protein grows.
The US meat and agriculture company said the investment includes an automated production line for cooked chicken products at its poultry facility in Saraburi, with completion scheduled for 2028.
Cargill exports cooked poultry from Thailand to foodservice and retail customers across Asia, including Japan, as well as Europe and North America.
The Saraburi expansion is expected to increase cooked poultry production to around 160,000 metric tons, generate Bt25 billion in additional export revenue and create 300 local jobs.
Watcharapon Prasopkiatpoka, Cargill’s vice-president and poultry managing director for APAC, said the investment would strengthen the company’s ability to meet customer requirements.
“Demand for high-quality protein continues to grow across global markets, and customers are looking for reliable innovation partners who can help them scale with confidence,” Prasopkiatpoka said.
“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver poultry products with the quality and consistency our customers need.”
Cargill said the investment would cover capacity and efficiency improvements across its poultry network, supporting supply chain resilience while enhancing food safety, quality and innovation.
The investment also includes a 30,000-metric-ton grain silo at Cargill’s facility in Nakhon Ratchasima province in north-eastern Thailand.
Construction is underway near a feed mill, with completion expected in December. Cargill said the silo will improve raw material storage and provide greater flexibility in grain procurement throughout the year.
The company said the project would also create additional income opportunities for local farmers beyond the traditional harvest season.
Cargill added that the investment would improve procurement of domestic raw materials and services, including feed ingredients, grains, seasonings and packaging.
AI and Automation
Cargill said advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, will form part of the investment as it seeks to optimise production processes and costs.
Over the next two years, AI will be deployed in data processing to support faster and more accurate decision-making. The technology will assist food quality and safety management.
The Thailand investment comes as Cargill has made operational changes elsewhere. The company closed a mince beef plant in Wisconsin this year, affecting about 221 jobs, while a turkey facility in Springdale, Arkansas, was shuttered last year.
Cargill reported fiscal 2026 revenue of US$164 billion, up from US$154 billion in fiscal 2025 and US$160 billion in fiscal 2024.
Brian Sikes, Cargill’s board chair and CEO, estimated that AI could generate US$40 billion to US$70 billion in productivity across food and agriculture.
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