JACKSON, Miss. — DG Foods, a poultry processing and portioning company, recently announced an operation expansion in Hazlehurst, Miss. This expansion project represents a corporate investment of $1.19 million and will create 32 jobs, the Mississippi Development Authority said in a statement.
“DG Foods’ expansion in Hazlehurst shows how Mississippi companies can grow, modernize, and stay competitive while continuing to create jobs in their hometowns,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said. “This $1.19 million investment strengthens an established local employer and brings dozens of new job opportunities to Copiah County. I thank the DG Foods team for continuing to invest in the community they have called home for more than 20 years.”
DG Foods’ operations consist of deboning, tender portioning, and other custom processing services. The company’s expansion involves the installation of new automated chicken nugget portioning equipment, which will allow the company to expand its nugget capacity to meet an increase in customer and consumer demand, MDA noted.
MDA is supporting this project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program.
“Economic development isn’t just about recruiting new companies,” Bill Cork, MDA executive director, said. “It’s about reinvesting in the industries and employers already doing the work, like Hazlehurst’s DG Foods. This expansion creates jobs, ramps up production and drives local tax revenue, which keeps communities thriving.”
In addition to the MDA, Copiah County is also helping with this project.
“Copiah County Economic Development District is grateful to the Mississippi Development Authority for its support of Copiah County and DG Foods, which will help strengthen the company’s operations, create new jobs, and assist with the continued growth of our community,” Arthur L. Evans Jr., Copiah County Economic Development District executive director, said.
The company plans to fill 32 new positions across two shifts of 16 workers each, with the second shift scheduled to begin in mid-May, MDA added.
“DG Foods is grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority,” Chris Carter, DG Foods LLC CEO, said. “This partnership has played an important role in our growth, and we appreciate the opportunity to work together on this project. We are excited to invest further in our Hazlehurst operations, strengthen our capabilities with new technology and create additional jobs for the community we call home.”
