Pilgrim's Pride to idle two chicken processing facilities

Production from the Athens, Alabama, plant will be consolidated into two other Pilgrim's Pride complexes, bringing those facilities to full capacity. The hatchery in Moulton, Alabama, the feed mill in Falkville, Alabama, and other live production operations associated with the Athens plant will continue to operate.

Production from the company's Athens, Georgia plant on Oneta St. will be consolidated at the neighbouring Barber St. plant as well as at several other company complexes in north Georgia, bringing those facilities to full capacity. The live production operations, including hatcheries and feed mills, will continue to operate.

The company expects most contracted growers for the two plants will be transitioned to supplying other complexes.

Since production from these two plants will be consolidated into other complexes, the idling of these two facilities will not result in any decrease in the company's overall production or in any change in product mix. There will be no disruption in the supply of product to Pilgrim's Pride's customers.

The company said it would consider restarting the two plants in the future should market conditions justify it.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation employs approximately 41,000 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The company's primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors.