Pilgrim’s Pride re-opens chicken processing plant

Pilgrim’s Pride will hire as many as 1,400 local workers and invest approx. $30 mln to re-open its chicken processing complex in Douglas, Georgia, by January 2011.

“The economic imprint of Pilgrim’s Pride is enormous, not only to the state’s poultry industry, but to the growers and suppliers in the region,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “We are proud that Pilgrim’s Pride has recognized the value Georgia brings to poultry companies. There is no doubt the company will benefit from a workforce with deep experience in this industry.”

Company executives joined Governor Perdue and local and state officials to officially kick off the re-opening of the plant, which is expected to employ up to 1,400 workers and process approx. 1.3 mln chickens per week when it ramps up to full production by summer 2011.

Pilgrim’s Pride expects to contract with approx. 160 local growers to supply the plant.

Last week, Pilgrim’s Pride appointed John Haas as live production manager in Douglas. He will be responsible for the local pullet, breeder, hatchery, feed mill, grow-out and live haul operations. In addition, the company has set its first flock of pullets, which will grow into breeding stock.

Source: Governor of Georgia