Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on Tuesday announced plans to invest $1.6 million in Alabama to help local communities respond to coronavirus and invest in a stronger future.
The company, one of America’s largest poultry producers, has three locations across the Yellowhammer State: Enterprise, Guntersville and Russellville.
Through this strong presence, Pilgrim’s employs more than 3,200 people and pays family farmers nearly $89 million annually in the state. The company reports having an annual payroll in Alabama of more than $113 million, as well as having contributed more than $146 million in capital investments over the last five years.
The Alabama investment is part of a new, national $20 million initiative called Hometown Strong that adds to commitments Pilgrim’s has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. That initiative is itself a piece of a $50 million total nationwide contribution from JBS USA, which owns Pilgrim’s.
“It is because of the great work being done in our hometowns that Pilgrim’s is able to provide high-quality chicken to families across our country,” stated Fabio Sandri, interim president and CEO of Pilgrim’s.
“Through this initiative, we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with local leaders and our team members to determine how best to make meaningful and lasting impacts in our communities,” he added.
According to a release, Pilgrim’s will partner with local officials and community leaders in the company’s three Alabama locations to identify investment projects that strengthen these hometowns where the company’s team members live and work.
“There is no doubt that COVID-19 has taken a toll on Alabamians, but because of strong partners like Pilgrim’s, we are bringing much-needed relief to communities around our state,” commented Governor Kay Ivey.
The governor concluded, “The Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative is not only helping local communities respond to the ongoing pandemic, but it is also positioning us for a strong comeback and future. I am grateful for Alabama’s collaboration on this initiative and for the strong partner we have in Pilgrim’s. We will overcome this together.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
