Koch Foods to expand poultry processing facility in US

US-based poultry processor Koch Foods is set to expand its poultry processing facility in Harris County, Georgia, US, with an investment of $49m.

The expansion project includes incorporating two new processing lines at the facility.

The expansion is expected to create 750 new jobs, bringing total employment at the West Georgia facility to 1,400.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Valley Partnership, the Harris County Commission and the Harris County Development Authority have joined forces to manage the expansion project.

Georgia Department of Economic Development industry project manager Candice Scott assisted Koch Foods on behalf of the state.

Georgia governor Nathan Deal said that the existing network of supporting resources and experience makes Georgia state ideal for any company to expand its operations and remain competitive.

"Georgia is the top producer of poultry in the United States and Koch Foods is one of the reasons why," Deal said.

Harris County Commission chairman Harry Lange said, "Harris County is excited about Koch Foods’ acquisition of the former Cagle’s plant in Pine Mountain Valley and Koch’s plans to bring the facility up to full capacity by offering people in our region the opportunity to work for a first-class company."

In 2012, Koch Foods acquired an existing Cagle’s facility, retaining 350 jobs.

During an expansion project last year, the company added 350 jobs and the latest investment forms the second phase of the project.

Koch Foods, founded in 1973, is one of five vertically integrated food processors in the US.

The company distributes fresh and frozen products internationally under the Koch Foods, Antioch Farms, Preferred Foods, and Rogers Royal brands as well as other custom and private labels.