Pilgrim’s Pride, the US meat enterprise primarily owned by Brazil’s JBS, is making a substantial investment of $400 million in a new manufacturing plant.
The new prepared-foods facility will be constructed in LaFayette, located in Walker County. Pilgrim’s describes this initiative as a “multi-phase” project set to enhance its existing operations in Georgia.
Once fully operational, this facility will provide approximately 630 new job opportunities, according to a recent statement from Pilgrim’s.
Positioned within the Walker County Business Park, this manufacturing site will specialize in producing cooked chicken products as part of Pilgrim’s prepared-foods division.
Construction is slated to begin this autumn, with the first phase expected to wrap up by 2027, at which point recruitment efforts will commence.
Pilgrim’s CEO Fabio Sandri remarked, “This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared-foods business by expanding brands like Just Bare, Pilgrim’s, and Gold Kist, and supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels.”
He added, “Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy.”
Currently, Pilgrim’s operates seven production facilities in Georgia, along with feed mills and hatcheries, employing around 7,500 workers in the state.
Angie Teems, chair and CEO of the Walker County Government, stated, “Not only is this a well-respected company with a strong track record, but it already has a presence in our community through its partnerships with local poultry growers.”
She further noted, “Expanding their operations here is a natural next step that will strengthen our local economy and reinforce our county’s commitment to supporting hardworking families.”
On a broader scale, Pilgrim’s operates meat and prepared-foods plants in 14 US states, as well as facilities in Puerto Rico, Mexico, the UK, and across Europe.
JBS, holding around 80% ownership of Greeley, Colorado-based Pilgrim’s, attempted to gain full control in 2021 but subsequently withdrew from the deal the following year.
According to the company, “JBS withdrew its offer after it was unable to come to an agreement with the special committee of the PPC [Pilgrim’s Pride] board of directors regarding the terms of the proposed transaction.”
This year, JBS has also made significant investments. In May, it announced a $135 million project for a new sausage plant in Iowa through its US subsidiary.
Additionally, JBS revealed a $200 million investment aimed at enhancing beef production at its facilities in Cactus, Texas, and Greeley, Colorado.
Looking internationally, the company intends to build two meat factories in Vietnam, committing a total investment of $100 million. Earlier this month, JBS commenced its first beef shipments to Vietnam from its Mozarlândia factory in Brazil.
