Pilgrim’s to Close Processing Facility in Luverne; Improved Efficiencies and Synergy Enhancement Cited

GREELEY, Colo., Oct. 24, 2017 -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NASDAQ:PPC) (the "Company") today announced that it will close its Luverne, Minn., poultry processing facility, which employs approximately 200 people, effective December 29, 2017. The decision to close the facility will allow Pilgrim’s to shift production and equipment to more efficient operations to enhance synergies and better serve the company’s key customers.

“The Pilgrim’s team explored several options before arriving at the difficult decision to close the Luverne facility,” said Jayson Penn, Head of Pilgrim’s USA. “We recognize the impact this has on our Luverne team, their families and the local community, and we will make every effort to assist in future job placement, including relocation opportunities at other company locations for all impacted employees.”

Acquired in 1998 from the city, the Luverne, MN, processing plant was a former IBP beef production facility that was converted to produce frozen and convenience chicken products. Production capabilities at Luverne will be transferred to other nearby Company facilities. The facility closure will have no impact on the Company’s overall production capacity.

About Pilgrim's Pride

Pilgrim's employs approximately 55,000 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, Ireland and continental Europe.  The Company's primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors.  For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.

Media Contacts

Pilgrim’s
Cheri Schneider 
970 506 7717 
[email protected]