Mississippi-based poultry processing and portioning company DG Foods is expanding operations in Hazlehurst with a $1.19 million corporate investment.
DG Foods’ operations include deboning, tender portioning, and other custom processing services. The company’s expansion involves the installation of new automated chicken nugget portioning equipment, which will allow the company to increase its nugget capacity to meet a heightened customer and consumer demand.
With the expansion, the company is set to hire 32 new employees. The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting this project with the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. Copiah County is also assisting with the project.
“Economic development isn’t just about recruiting new companies. It’s about reinvesting in the industries and employers already doing the work, like Hazlehurst’s DG Foods,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said. “This expansion creates jobs, ramps up production and drives local tax revenue, which keeps communities thriving.”
Headquartered in Hazlehurst, DG Foods opened its original 55,000-square-foot facility in 2004 and currently employs approximately 375 people. The company plans to fill the new positions across two shifts of 16 workers each, with the second shift scheduled to begin in mid-May.
“DG Foods is grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority. This partnership has played an important role in our growth, and we appreciate the opportunity to work together on this project,” DG Foods CEO Chris Carter said. “We are excited to invest further in our Hazlehurst operations, strengthen our capabilities with new technology, and create additional jobs for the community we call home.”
