Pilgrim’s Breaks Ground in LaFayette

LAFAYETTE, GA (WDEF) – Pilgrim’s is making a major investment in Walker County’s future with the groundbreaking of a $400 million prepared foods facility at the Walker County Business Park in LaFayette.

The new multi-phase facility is expected to create more than 630 jobs when it reaches full capacity, producing fully cooked chicken products for retail and foodservice customers across the country.

The plant will be one of Pilgrim’s largest projects nationwide. Sergio Nahuz, president of Prepared Foods, explained that this expansion represents both growth and commitment to Georgia’s workforce.

Pilgrim’s currently employs more than 7,500 people across Georgia, contributing to the states over $25 billion dollar poultry industry. 

Poultry is the number one agricultural commodity in Georgia, and the state also leads the nation in broiler production.

The company’s Hometown Strong initiative focuses on investing in local communities where Pilgrim’s operates, supporting education, infrastructure, and food-security projects. 

Construction will be managed by C.R. Crawford Construction Company.

The facility is planning to open in early 2027, providing long-term economic benefits for the LaFayette community.

For more information about Pilgrim’s and its community programs, visit www.pilgrims.com