Pilgrim’s builds new US$400M prepared foods plant in Georgia
Project to create 630 jobs in LaFayette as part of multi-phase expansion
USA – Pilgrim’s has announced a US$400 million investment to build a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia.
The project is expected to bring 630 new jobs to the area once the plant reaches full capacity.
Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2025, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2027 when hiring will also begin.
The facility, which will be located at the Walker County Business Park, is intended to support the company’s growing prepared foods segment by producing fully cooked chicken products.
Governor Brian Kemp responded to the announcement by pointing to the role of agriculture in supporting job creation in Georgia’s rural communities.
Pilgrim’s already operates seven production facilities in the state and maintains a wider network that includes hatcheries and feed mills, employing roughly 7,500 people statewide.
Local leaders have welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to improve employment prospects for residents in the area.
Andy Arnold, Mayor of LaFayette and Chair of the Walker County Development Authority, said the development would significantly impact local families seeking job opportunities.
Angie Teems, Chair and CEO of Walker County Government, noted that the project offers long-term job security and builds on Pilgrim’s existing relationships with local poultry growers.
She described the expansion as a natural fit given the company’s current operations in the area.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) supported the effort to secure the investment, with Senior Regional Project Manager Lori Dowdy leading the Global Commerce team on the project.
The agency worked in partnership with the Walker County Development Authority and Georgia Quick Start to bring the project to LaFayette.
Commissioner Pat Wilson of GDEcD said the new plant reflects the continued growth of Georgia’s food and beverage industry and the supporting infrastructure around it.
Pilgrim’s says the investment aligns with its strategy to grow in the value-added foods space to meet rising consumer demand.
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