Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Harrison Poultry Inc., a family-owned, fully integrated poultry processing company, will create 102 jobs and invest $70 million in a new feed mill and hatchery in Taliaferro County.
 
“Agribusiness remains the No. 1 industry here in the No. 1 state for business due in part to innovative companies such as Harrison Poultry that call Georgia home,” said Deal. “Founded here in Georgia, Harrison Poultry is a homegrown company that recognizes the benefits of operating in our competitive economic environment. Our network of resources, deep talent pool and strategic location in the Southeastern market will provide Harrison Poultry with a solid foundation for continued growth and success. We appreciate Harrison Poultry’s commitment to creating even more quality jobs across Georgia and look forward to strengthening this valuable partnership.”
 
Headquartered in Bethlehem, Harrison Poultry’s products are sold both in the U.S. and abroad. With this announcement, Harrison Poultry will also increase capacity at its feed mill and hatchery in Barrow County, creating additional jobs in Winder.
 
“This new project is so much more than a simple feed mill,” said Harrison Poultry CEO David Bleth. “The advances in technology will allow us to be more efficient, lower our cost and allow us to grow our business. As we grow, so does our ability to create jobs and provide contracts for new broiler growers. Together, this means economic development for a region primed to benefit from new opportunities.”
 
Harrison Poultry recently began construction on the state-of-the-art chicken feed manufacturing facility and hatchery in Crawfordville to support rising demand for poultry. In addition to current operations, the completed facility will enable the company to support up to a total of 165 new broiler houses and produce up to 18,000 tons of feed weekly.
 
“I am excited for the opportunity that Harrison Poultry has to expand their operations closer to their growers,” said Georgia House of Representatives Appropriations Chairman Terry England. “While it will mean a temporary loss for Barrow County, the future for their growth here is bright. The investment being made now will mean production expansion in the near future for the processing plant in Bethlehem.”
 
Georgia Department of Economic Development Senior Project Manager Adela Kelley represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Taliaferro County Development Authority.
 
“Congratulations to Harrison Poultry on this incredible expansion in Crawfordville,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The impact that this announcement will have in this community is why we do what we do. Congratulations to Taliaferro County and all of the partners involved in this project.”
 
“We are pleased to welcome Harrison Poultry to our community,” said Jackie Butts, executive director of the Taliaferro County Development Authority. “This company will provide much-needed job opportunities for us and for the region, as well.”