Pilgrim’s Plans $400M Prepared Foods Plant, 630 Jobs Georgia

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation is investing $400 million to build a new prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia, as part of its expansion strategy to meet growing demand in retail and foodservice markets. The facility will produce fully cooked chicken products, including chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and lightly breaded chicken breast strips, under brands such as Just Bare, Pilgrim's, and Gold Kist. Construction is set to begin in fall 2025, with hiring planned to start in 2027, creating more than 630 new jobs for the local community. This new plant will be located in the Walker County Business Park and is expected to significantly boost the local economy, supporting Pilgrim's existing workforce of about 7,500 jobs across seven facilities in Georgia. State and local officials, including Governor Brian Kemp and LaFayette Mayor Andy Arnold, have welcomed the investment, emphasizing its positive impact on job creation and community growth. Pilgrim’s leadership highlighted the expansion as a key part of their long-term growth and commitment to the region.