Pilgrim’s Pride recently announced it plans to invest $70 million to build a rendering plant in Franklin County, Georgia, to support its existing Northeast Georgia processing operations.
Pilgrim’s said in a press release that it expects the new plant will create 90 permanent jobs in addition to roughly 100 jobs during development of the facility. The facility is expected to have a $65 million annual economic impact on the region through direct and indirect spending and will generate more than $1 million annually in local tax revenue.
“Pilgrim’s is pleased to announce this significant investment in Franklin County, which will grow our company’s already substantial footprint in Georgia,” Mark Glover, head of Pilgrim’s protein conversion division, said. “Following all necessary reviews and approvals from Franklin County and state officials, the plant built here will be truly state-of-the-art, ensuring that jobs and positive economic development are created in a way that safeguards and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources.”
“Pilgrim’s is an important anchor tenant in Georgia’s poultry and overall agribusiness industry,” Gary Black, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, said. “The proposed investment demonstrates a long-term commitment to the community and state. I commend Pilgrim’s leadership team and all who have helped get this project across the finish line.”
“Pilgrim’s significant investments in Georgia represent the company’s strong, ongoing commitment to our state, and drive the creation of jobs and farming opportunities that are key to a thriving agriculture sector here in the nation’s leading broiler producing state,” Mike Giles, president of the Georgia Poultry Federation, said.
Pilgrim’s currently employs over 8,000 people in its Georgia operations with an annual payroll of more than $440 million in the state. It has contributed nearly $270 million in capital investments in the state over the last five years.
Pilgrim’s press release can be found here.
