Pilgrimӽ紫ý, one of the worldӽ紫ý leading food companies, will spend $400 million to build a new prepared foods facility in Walker County. The project is expected to create more than 630 jobs when operating at full capacity, with hiring set to begin in 2027.
The new plant will be constructed on a 100-acre site just north of Audia Plastics in the Walker County Business Park off ӽ紫ý Highway 27 near LaFayette. The 300,000-square-foot facility will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products — such as chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and lightly breaded chicken breast strips — under well-known brands like Just Bare, Pilgrimӽ紫ý, and Gold Kist. These products will be sold in grocery stores and wholesale clubs across the country.
“This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business by expanding our brands and supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels,” said Fabio Sandri, CEO of Pilgrimӽ紫ý. “Expanding the Pilgrimӽ紫ý footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our companyӽ紫ý long-term growth strategy.”
Brian Kemp
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised the announcement, calling it a major win for the stateӽ紫ý top industry. “Georgia's No.-1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies like Pilgrimӽ紫ý creating quality jobs in communities like LaFayette,” he 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.”
Angie Teems
Chairwoman and CEO Angie Teems of Walker County echoed Kempӽ紫ý sentiment. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Walker County to provide stable jobs and long-term security for residents who want to work where they live,” she said. “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.”
Pilgrimӽ紫ý currently operates seven food production facilities across Georgia and supports approximately 7,500 jobs, along with additional operations such as feed mills and hatcheries.
The project is a result of collaboration between the Georgia ӽ紫ý of Economic Developmentӽ紫ý Global Commerce team, the Walker County Development Authority, and the Technical College System of Georgiaӽ紫ý Quick Start program. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
Interested applicants can learn more and apply at .
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