Food manufacturers across the U.S. have continued to reshape operations in 2025 as companies adjust plant networks and move production between facilities. In Tennessee, Pilgrim’s Pride has announced a major workforce reduction at its Chattanooga poultry operation. The move affects hundreds of workers in Hamilton County and ranks among the larger food manufacturing layoffs announced in the state this year.
Pilgrim’s Pride files layoff notice for Chattanooga plant
Pilgrim’s Pride filed a WARN notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on June 16, confirming plans to lay off 315 employees at its Chattanooga location. The company stated that the job cuts are scheduled to take effect on September 25. The notice covers workers connected to the facility’s current operations in Hamilton County.
The 315 affected employees include both union and non-union workers, according to the state filing. Pilgrim’s Pride is one of the country’s largest poultry producers and supplies chicken products to grocery, restaurant, and foodservice customers. The Chattanooga announcement marks a significant reduction for a single Tennessee food plant in 2025.
What is confirmed in Tennessee so far
What is confirmed is that the layoffs are tied to Pilgrim’s Pride’s Chattanooga facility and that 315 workers are expected to be affected starting September 25. The state filing identifies Hamilton County as the location involved. The company has also indicated that the site will not shut down completely.
Pilgrim’s Pride said its deboning facility in Chattanooga will remain in operation. The company also stated that its network of regional contract growers and its customer service operations will not be affected by this change. What has not been publicly released is a full breakdown of which specific jobs or departments in Chattanooga will be eliminated.
Production is shifting to Georgia
Pilgrim’s Pride said harvesting operations from Chattanooga will be consolidated into Ellijay, Georgia. The company stated it plans to invest about $75 million to expand its poultry complex there. Under that plan, chicken supplied from the expanded Georgia complex would continue to support deboning work in Chattanooga.
The announcement fits into a broader restructuring trend in meat and poultry processing. Recent moves by companies including Tyson Foods and JBS USA have included plant closures and workforce reductions as operators adjust production strategies and invest in more efficient facilities. For Chattanooga residents, the confirmed timeline is September 25, while remaining operations at the site are expected to continue.
