Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken Plant to Close in Chattanooga’s Southside
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Story Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Pilgrim’s Pride is set to invest $75 million into its poultry facility in Ellijay, Georgia, a move that will lead to the closure of its aging harvesting operations in Chattanooga. The Chattanooga plant, located at 1591 Broad Street, will cease operations by September 25th, affecting approximately 348 employees involved in transforming live chickens into meat.
The company’s decision aligns with a strategic shift to enhance efficiency and meet evolving consumer demands. The Ellijay facility is performing well and has a skilled workforce, making it the ideal location for expansion. The investment aims to modernize the Georgia plant and enable it to produce a wider array of higher-value, boneless chicken products used in popular fast-food items such as chicken sandwiches and tenders.
Despite the closure of the harvesting operations in Chattanooga, the company will continue utilizing its deboning infrastructure at 1298 Peeples Street to support its expanded Georgia operations. Employees in Chattanooga affected by the closure will have the opportunity to transfer to other company facilities across the United States. The company also plans to offer assistance with job transitions, including access to open roles elsewhere and support services.
City officials expressed regret over the closure, acknowledging the impact on local workers. Mayor Tim Kelly emphasized that the city will coordinate with state agencies to ensure affected employees are informed of their rights and receive necessary transition resources. The city also encouraged workers to utilize the One Chattanooga Works platform, which connects residents with training programs and employment opportunities.
The closure marks a significant change for the Southside neighborhood, which has evolved considerably over the past 70 years of Pilgrim’s operation. City officials noted that residents and businesses might not miss the odors associated with the plant as the community continues its development.
The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, which lists Pilgrim’s Pride as the 15th largest employer in Hamilton County with 1,102 employees as of the end of 2023, has indicated a focus on supporting workers impacted by the closure. The organization typically refrains from commenting on specific layoffs but is coordinating with local and state partners to assist displaced employees.
Pilgrim’s Pride remains a global employer with approximately 63,000 workers across 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and continental Europe. The company has a history of adjusting its operations in Chattanooga, including layoffs in 2012 and 2013 amid industry challenges.
