Pilgrim’s Pride plans US$1.3 billion Mexico investment through 2030

MEXICO – Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation is planning to invest US$1.3 billion in Mexico over the next five years, according to statements from Mexican government officials and the company.

Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the investment is expected to expand local poultry production capacity and reduce the country’s reliance on imported chicken.

Ebrard stated that the planned spending would cut Mexico’s current chicken imports by about 35 percent once the projects are fully operational.

He added that the expansion is projected to increase output by roughly 373,000 metric tons and create about 4,000 direct jobs across Pilgrim’s Mexican operations.

Pilgrim’s has operated in Mexico for close to 40 years, and the new funding signals continued activity in a market where it already owns processing and production assets.

Company chief executive Fabio Sandri said the investment reflects the company’s decision to continue deploying capital in Mexico based on its long operating history there.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said during a morning press conference that Pilgrim’s decision was influenced by its existing presence and prior performance in the country.

She said the company already has infrastructure in place and is proceeding with further investment because it views the business environment as stable.

Parallel expansion in the United States

The Mexico announcement follows recent developments in the United States, where Pilgrim’s Pride has begun construction of a new prepared foods facility in Walker County, Georgia.

The Georgia project is part of a previously announced US$400 million expansion plan that was made public in July.

The Walker County plant is being built in the Walker County Business Park and is designed to operate in multiple phases once completed.

According to the company, the facility will produce fully cooked chicken products for both retail and foodservice customers under brands including Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist.

Sandri described the Georgia development as a long term project tied to the company’s broader growth plans in the United States.

Construction is scheduled to start in the fall, with hiring for the first phase of the 300,000 square foot plant expected to begin in 2027.

Employment and regional impact

Local officials said the Georgia facility is expected to create more than 630 jobs when fully operational.

LaFayette Mayor Andy Arnold said the new positions are likely to have a significant effect on households in surrounding communities.

Walker County government chairwoman and chief executive Angie Teems said the project offers residents an opportunity for steady employment without leaving the area.

Misti Martin, deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said the Walker County Business Park project reflects how targeted industrial investment can translate into local job creation.

Pilgrim’s Pride currently supports about 7,500 jobs in Georgia through seven production plants, feed mills, and hatcheries, according to company figures.

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