LaFAYETTE, Ga. — Pilgrim’s Pride, one of the largest poultry producers in the U.S., has announced plans to build a new multi-phase prepared foods plant in LaFayette, Georgia, deepening its footprint in the state’s booming poultry industry and adding more than 630 new jobs to the local economy.

The company will invest $400 million in the new facility, which will be built at the Walker County Business Park and is expected to significantly boost Pilgrim’s fast-growing prepared foods business. Construction is slated to begin this fall, with the first phase of the project on track for completion in 2027, when hiring for production jobs will begin.

“Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Fabio Sandri, CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride, in a statement. “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. We are also proud of our role in creating jobs and being a strong community partner.”

Pilgrim’s Pride already supports around 7,500 jobs in Georgia and operates seven food production facilities in the state, in addition to hatcheries and feed mills that help drive Georgia’s top industry: agriculture. The new plant will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products to supply both grocery and foodservice markets, aligning with consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals.

State and local officials have praised the company’s decision to expand in Northwest Georgia, where new investment means big economic momentum for smaller communities.

“Georgia's No. 1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrim’s creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “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.”

Local leaders echoed Kemp’s optimism about what the project will mean for families in Walker County.

“We welcome Pilgrim's to Walker County and LaFayette,” said Andy Arnold, Mayor of LaFayette and Chairman of the Walker County Development Authority. “Pilgrim’s has a wonderful history of positive community involvement, and the creation of up to 630 jobs for our area is a game changer for many families. We look forward to our partnership.”

The new facility will add to Pilgrim’s existing network of 26 slaughter plants, 33 hatcheries and 27 feed mills across the U.S., along with operations in Mexico and Europe. In 2024, the company produced an estimated 1.51 billion broilers, securing its position as the second-largest poultry processor in the country, according to the WATTPoultry.com Top Poultry Companies Database.

In recent years, Pilgrim’s has leaned heavily into its prepared foods segment, pushing its brands like Just Bare, known for all-natural chicken products popular with retailers and foodservice customers alike. The LaFayette project is expected to help the company meet growing demand for fully cooked, value-added chicken products — a category that has continued to expand as consumers seek convenient meal options.

For LaFayette and Walker County, the investment represents a significant shot in the arm for the local economy — promising not only new jobs but also spinoff opportunities for small businesses, suppliers, and service providers in the surrounding region.

With construction crews breaking ground this fall, the community will watch as concrete is poured and production lines take shape — laying the foundation for a facility that Pilgrim’s leaders say will help feed America while boosting Georgia’s position as a national leader in poultry production for years to come.

Originally reported by Roy Graber in Watt Poultry.