May 27, 2010

Pilgrim's Pride to reopen plant in Douglas, Georgia

Pilgrim's Pride will invest approximately US$30 million to re-open its chicken processing plant in Douglas, Georgia, hiring in the process around 1,400 jobs, Governor Sonny Perdue said on Wednesday (May 26).

The Douglas plant is expected to be fully operational by January 2011.

Pilgrim's Pride expects to contract with 160 local growers to supply the Douglas plant. Customised training for the company's workers will be provided by Georgia Quick Start in order to help workers to reach full production on time.

"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. We are proud that Pilgrim's Pride has recognised the value Georgia brings to poultry companies. There is no doubt the company will benefit from a workforce with deep experience in this industry," said Perdue.

Pilgrim's Pride is quickly preparing for the re-opening as the presence of the company in the region affects more than 3,700 jobs in Georgia. For the last fifty years, poultry has become a strong part of the state's economy.