Pilgrim’s Pride Invests $75M to Expand Georgia Poultry Facility, Shift Production from Chattanooga
Event summary
- Pilgrim’s Pride will invest $75M to expand and modernize its Ellijay, Georgia poultry facility, increasing capacity for boneless chicken products.
- The investment will enable production of higher-value items like chicken sandwiches and tenders, aligning with consumer demand trends.
- The company will close the aging harvesting portion of its Chattanooga operations, transitioning some functions to Ellijay.
- 348 team members affected by the Chattanooga closure will receive support for transfers or job applications at other facilities.
- The strategic shift is part of Pilgrim’s broader plan to modernize operations and build supply chain resilience.
The big picture
Pilgrim’s investment in Ellijay reflects broader industry trends toward higher-value, boneless chicken products driven by fast-food and foodservice demand. The strategic shift from Chattanooga to Ellijay aligns with the company’s goal of modernizing operations and strengthening supply chain resilience. With approximately $75M allocated for this expansion, Pilgrim’s is positioning itself to better compete in a dynamic marketplace where consumer preferences and operational efficiency are key differentiators.
What we're watching
- Consumer Demand Trends
- How Pilgrim’s ability to meet evolving consumer preferences for boneless chicken products will impact market share.
- Operational Efficiency
- Whether the transition of Chattanooga operations to Ellijay will improve overall production efficiency and cost savings.
- Workforce Transition
- The pace at which affected employees in Chattanooga can be reintegrated into other Pilgrim’s facilities.