Gov. Matt Bevin today congratulated the poultry producer, following the announcement of a $24 million project to increase production at the facility.
The Governor's Communication Office says 141 of the jobs are designated for Kentuckians as part of the company's incentive agreement with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. New positions include management, maintenance, production and sanitation. The investment also will cover the cost of new processing machinery and equipment. Company officials reportedly plan to clear a section of the plant and install new equipment during two weeks in October.
Pilgrim's says it will be retooling the facility to upgrade its deboning and marinating capacity.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Pilgrim's for tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program up to $1.5 million based on the company's investment of at least $12.9 million. The company is also eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services though the Kentucky Skills Network.
"Pilgrim's Pride, a strong corporate partner in Kentucky since 1990, has grown its business across the globe and has become a well-respected household name," said Gov. Bevin. "We are thankful for the company's reinvestment in Graves County. It will have tremendous impact on southwest Kentucky through new jobs, additional production and increased sales for area growers, farmers and feed suppliers. We are working every day to make the Commonwealth even more supportive of developments like this, and are grateful to Pilgrim's Pride for leading the way for others to follow."
Rep. Richard Heath said the local workforce played a role in the company's decision. "Providing more than 140 Kentucky jobs, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has had a tremendous impact on our community," Heath said. "I am excited for this expansion to begin as we watch the continued success of Pilgrim's Pride in Kentucky. This project is truly a testament both to the achievements of Pilgrim's Pride and to the hard-working Kentuckians that contribute to their success. I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the corporation and congratulate them on their accomplishment."
"I thank Pilgrim's Pride for its investment in Graves County," Sen. Stan Humphries said. "This move will further energize our regional economy while providing additional jobs for hard-working Kentuckians, and I welcome the news of the company's expansion."
Mayfield Mayor Teresa Cantrell thanked the company. "Pilgrim's is a mainstay in our economy in Mayfield and Graves County. This expansion will be far-reaching into the city and county in terms of job opportunities, it's what we need, and I'm proud of the leadership out there that is proactive – that's what's making this happen for our community." Cantrell said.
Pilgrim's employs about 39,000 people across 12 states, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
