An aerial view of the Pilgrim’s site from earlier this year.
US poultry company Pilgrim’s Pride is investing $75 million to expand its production facility in Cold Spring, Minnesota.
Up to 130 new jobs are expected to be created by the project, which will add 50,000 square feet of additional space to the plant.
When construction is complete in early 2021, Pilgrim’s will be able to increase daily production of its chicken products, including its Just Bare Chicken brand.
A portion of the funds will be used to improve staff facilities, including creating a new cafeteria and increasing locker room capacity, according to the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC), which provided details of the project.
Earlier this week, Pilgrim’s was granted approval for a ten-year tax abatement by Stearns County, the City of Cold Spring and the Cold Spring School District.
“Today’s announced expansion is an important strategic investment for Pilgrim’s, and it will help ensure our Cold Spring facility can grow its capacity to provide premium chicken products for people across the country,” said Wesley Smith, Pilgrim’s Cold Spring complex manager.
“This news strengthens our ongoing commitment to this region, to our grower partners and of course to our team members.”
Patti Gartland, president of GSDC, added: “This was a major opportunity that needed quick actions by many organisations, all of which were committed to bringing this project to fruition. Pilgrim’s has long been a great member of this community and we’re pleased that up to 130 excellent, new jobs will be created for area residents.”
Earlier this week, Pilgrim’s Pride announced that it had agreed to pay a fine of $110.5 million under a plea deal with the US Department of Justice to resolve price-fixing charges.
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