A leading food company will build a plant to produce prepared foods in Northwest Georgia, a $400 million investment expected to create more than 630 jobs when at full capacity, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.
The new Pilgrim’s plant will be located in Walker County, with hiring expected to begin in 2027.
“Georgia’s No.-1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrim’s creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette,” Kemp said. “As our state’s economy continues to advance, we are excited to see these continued innovations and the opportunities they will bring for hardworking Georgians.”
Pilgrim’s already has a strong presence in Georgia. The company currently operates seven food production plants supporting an estimated 7,500 jobs in addition to supporting facilities like feed mills and hatcheries.
“Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy,” Pilgrim’s CEO Fabio Sandri said Thursday. “This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business.”
The new plant will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products. Interested individuals can learn more about the company and how to apply for jobs by clicking on jobs.pilgrims.com.
The state Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team worked the project in partnership with the Walker County Development Authority and the Technical College System of Georgia’s Quick Start program.
Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News Service
Dave Williams is the Bureau Chief for Capitol Beat News Service. He is a veteran reporter who has reported on Georgia state government and politics since 1999. Before that, he covered Georgia’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.
