{"id":971712,"date":"2026-06-12T12:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T16:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/pilgrims-announces-investment-in-ellijay-georgia-to-strengthen-operations-and-align-with-growing-consumer-demand\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T12:33:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T16:33:09","slug":"pilgrims-announces-investment-in-ellijay-georgia-to-strengthen-operations-and-align-with-growing-consumer-demand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/pilgrims-announces-investment-in-ellijay-georgia-to-strengthen-operations-and-align-with-growing-consumer-demand\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilgrim\u2019s Announces Investment in Ellijay, Georgia to Strengthen Operations and Align With Growing Consumer Demand"},"content":{"rendered":"
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GREELEY, Colo., June 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pilgrim\u2019s today announced a strategic investment to expand and modernize its Ellijay, Georgia poultry facility, strengthening the company\u2019s ability to meet evolving consumer preferences, support key customer growth, and enhance long-term operational excellence.<\/p>\n

The approximately $75 million investment will increase harvesting and portioning capacity in Ellijay and enable the facility to produce a broader mix of higher-value, boneless chicken products \u2014 including those used in popular chicken sandwiches, tenders, and other fast-growing categories. This investment supports key customers\u2019 growth plans, through a change in Pilgrim\u2019s portfolio mix in Ellijay.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs consumer demand shifts and our customers grow, we are investing to ensure our operations are positioned for the future,\u201d said Fabio Sandri, CEO of Pilgrim\u2019s.<\/strong> \u201cEllijay is a strong-performing facility with a talented team, and this expansion will allow us to optimize our portfolio, improve efficiency, and continue delivering high-quality products to our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n Partial Transition of Chattanooga Operations<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

As part of this strategic shift, Pilgrim\u2019s will close the aging harvesting portion of its Chattanooga, Tennessee operations. The company will continue to utilize Chattanooga\u2019s deboning infrastructure to support nearby Ellijay\u2019s expanded operations, ensuring continuity and service for existing customers.<\/p>\n

There will be no impact on the grower base in the region, and Pilgrim\u2019s will maintain service and quality levels for all customers, including those purchasing bone-in products, through its broader network of facilities.<\/p>\n

\n Support for Team Members<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

Pilgrim\u2019s is committed to supporting the 348 team members affected by the Chattanooga harvesting operations closure. The company will provide:<\/p>\n