ELLIJAY, Ga. — Pilgrim’s announces an almost $75 million investment to increase its harvesting and portioning operations at its Ellijay, Ga., facility.
The company notes that this increase in its production stake will strengthen its ability to meet consumer needs and preferences, and boost operations and growth.
“As consumer demand shifts and our customers grow, we are investing to ensure our operations are positioned for the future,” Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO said in the announcement. “Ellijay is a strong-performing facility with a talented team, and this expansion will allow us to optimize our portfolio, improve efficiency, and continue delivering the high-quality products to our customers.”
Among the items that Pilgrim’s said that it intends to focus on increasing includes a greater mix of boneless chicken products, which will include growth-focused products that are used in chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, as well as other highly sought-after categories.
“This investment supports key customers’ growth plans, through a change in Pilgrim’s portfolio mix in Ellijay,” the company added in its release.
Closing Chattanooga segment
Pilgrim’s also announced that it will be closing the harvesting segment of its facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn., adding that it will, however, continue its deboning functions that will provide support for the enhanced operations in Ellijay to maintain continuity.
Poultry grower needs for the region will not see any negative impact, the company added.
“There will be no impact on the grower base in the region, and Pilgrim’s will maintain service and quality levels for all customers, including those purchasing bone-in products, through its broader network of facilities,” Pilgrim’s said.
For support of the 348 employees that are affected by the Chattanooga harvesting closure, the company noted that team members will be eligible for transfer to other Pilgrim’s facilities and be open to apply for open roles across the U.S.; provide on-site support and transition resources; and continue its work with local workforce partners.
“We are grateful for the dedication or our impacted Chattanooga team members and are committed to helping them through this transition with care, respect and as many opportunities are possible,” Sandri added. “These decisions are among the most difficult we make because they affect people who have contributed so much to our success.”
Pilgrim’s Pride is majority owned by JBS USA, based in Greeley, Colo.
