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Poultry Company Aviagen Expands Feed Mill in Pikeville, Tennessee

07/17/2020
A global poultry genetics company, Aviagen will invest $35.3 million in a new state-of-the-art feed mill in Pikeville, Tennessee. The project is a key part of the company’s larger expansion plans in the area.

The company plans to create up to 36 new jobs as part of the expansion, which will include a new feed mill to accommodate the company’s growth.

“With operations in Pikeville, Crossville and throughout the Cumberland Plateau, Aviagen is committed to the great state of Tennessee. Our strategy is to continue to expand our local footprint, contributing to the growth in jobs, while also providing quality breeding stock to our customers throughout the U.S. and around the world. Governor Lee has a proven understanding of agriculture and, in particular, of primary breeders. Through this project, we share a common goal to promote the economic development of the area, while also helping chicken producers everywhere feed their communities with a sustainable and nutritious source of protein,” Jan Henriksen, CEO of Aviagen said.

Aviagen supplies broiler breeding stock to customers in more than 100 countries under the Arbor Acres, Indian River and Ross brands, which are among the most recognized and respected names in the industry. The company currently employs 714 Tennesseans across multiple locations in the state including the Upper Cumberland region.

Since 2015, TNECD has supported nearly 90 economic development projects in Southeast Tennessee, totaling the creation of approximately 12,400 jobs and $3.64 billion in private investment.

“In recent weeks, we have announced several economic projects across our state that will offer Tennesseans much-need job opportunities. Aviagen’s substantial investment in Pikeville is welcome news for Bledsoe County and its residents. Together with other recent job announcements, Aviagen’s expansion promises to help Tennessee’s economy gain its footing and get back on track,” said Governor Bill Lee.

“With many Tennesseans in need of a job, our economic development efforts are as important as ever. TNECD remains committed to supporting private investment and job creation in rural Tennessee, and I’d like to thank Aviagen for its decision to expand in Tennessee and create jobs in Pikeville. Alongside our local partners in Bledsoe County, TDOT and the Department of Agriculture were instrumental partners in this project,” noted TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe.

“Bledsoe County is an agriculture community, which makes Aviagen a perfect fit for our citizens. I am grateful to Aviagen, a worldwide enterprise, for selecting Bledsoe County to be the home of their latest strategic investment. This is a long-awaited partnership that will prosper the families of Pikeville and Bledsoe County, and will allow Aviagen to successfully achieve their objectives for many years to come,” Gregg Ridley, Bledsoe County Mayor explained.

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