GADSDEN, ALA. – Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a subsidiary of JBS USA, plans to consider other locations for its poultry rendering facility after the proposed project could not move forward on industrial land at the Northeast Alabama Airport. 

Following local opposition for the plant that would have produced pet food ingredients, the company decided not to build on or lease the land owned by the Gadsden Airport Authority (GAA).

“Pilgrim’s regrets that it will not have the opportunity to contribute to the economic development of Gadsden,” said Cameron Bruett, head of corporate affairs for Pilgrim’s Pride. “While we remain confident in the merits of our proposed project, the Gadsden Airport Authority’s recent vote makes it clear there is no interest in selling or leasing its land for economic development. As such, Pilgrim’s has filed motions with Etowah County Court to dismiss pending litigation and we will no longer pursue our proposed project with the Gadsden Airport Authority. We thank the many citizens and public officials who gave our company fair and due consideration throughout this process.”

On Dec. 17, the GAA unanimously voted against the plant proposed by Pilgrim’s Pride. Over the last year, ligation has been filed that dealt with the company’s intention to locate the plant at the airport.