Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced yesterday that Koch Foods will expand its poultry processing facility in Hamilton, creating 750 new jobs and investing $49 million.
Koch purchased an existing Cagle’s facility in 2012, retaining 350 jobs. During a two-phase expansion, the company added 350 jobs last year. According to a press release from Governor Deal’s office, this second phase, incorporating two new processing lines, will create an additional 750 new jobs. Prior to Koch’s acquisition of the former Cagle’s facility in June, the workforce had been reduced by 50 percent since 2010.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development collaborated with the Valley Partnership, the Harris County Commission and the Harris County Development Authority to manage this project. The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s existing industry project manager Candice Scott assisted the company on behalf of the state.
“This is a great example of the important role Georgia’s existing companies play in supporting our economy,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey in the press release. “Thanks to the collective efforts of all involved, this expansion will have long-term benefits for Harris County and its area farmers, as well as for the state’s agribusiness economy.”
