Georgia is surging. In the last year alone, more than $26 billion in new investments have poured into the state, strengthening its position as the nation’s top destination for food manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain expansion.
With over $514 million in new food-related projects announced in just the last few months, Georgia’s economy is not only creating jobs but transforming how freight moves, products are stored, and materials like pallets are sourced and distributed.
Major Food Industry Expansions Across Georgia
1. Pilgrim’s Prepared Foods Facility – Walker County
One of the world’s leading food producers, Pilgrim’s, is investing $400 million in a new multi-phase prepared foods facility in LaFayette. The plant will create over 630 jobs and is expected to be complete by 2027.
The facility will produce a range of cooked chicken products, requiring thousands of heat-treated pallets for safe and efficient cold chain handling. With operations across seven Georgia facilities, Pilgrim’s expansion signals long-term growth for the state’s food logistics infrastructure.
2. King’s Hawaiian Expansion – Hall County
Georgia’s beloved King’s Hawaiian is expanding its Oakwood South Industrial Park facility with a $54 million investment, adding 135 jobs and a new production line to meet growing consumer demand.
This expansion increases the company’s Georgia footprint to more than 800 jobs statewide. Each product batch relies on consistent pallet movement for staging, baking supply transport, and distribution to major retail partners across the Southeast.
3. Ti Cold & Karis Cold Facility – McIntosh County
Cold storage demand continues to climb, with Ti Cold and Karis Cold breaking ground on a $60 million PermaCold Logistics facility at Tidewater Industrial Park.
The 50-foot-tall structure will feature 30,000+ pallet positions, flexible temperature zones, and an environmentally friendly refrigeration system. For Georgia’s cold chain, this facility represents the next level of modern logistics, where pallet quality and load durability directly affect efficiency and safety.
What Georgia’s Growth Means for Logistics and Pallet Supply
Georgia’s record-breaking expansion has ripple effects across every level of the supply chain. More food manufacturing means more freight to move — and more pallets to move it on.
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Increased demand for durable, food-grade pallets.
Cold storage and prepared foods facilities require specialized pallets designed for moisture resistance, consistent weight capacity, and sanitary compliance. -
Tighter timelines and just-in-time delivery.
As production lines scale, downtime from pallet shortages becomes costly. Partnering with a reliable local supplier ensures consistent inventory and fast replenishment. -
Regional distribution growth outside metro Atlanta.
With 77% of new projects occurring outside the 10-county Atlanta area, local pallet providers like Newnan Pallet Company are critical for serving expanding industrial zones in Walker, Hall, and McIntosh counties. -
Sustainability and recycling initiatives.
Many food and beverage producers are adopting greener logistics practices. Repairable, reusable, and recycled pallets play a key role in lowering environmental impact while reducing costs.
Georgia’s Business Environment Is Built for Expansion
According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, between July 2024 and June 2025, the state supported 423 new facility expansions and locations, with 74% coming from existing companies reinvesting in Georgia.
Governor Brian Kemp credits this ongoing success to a business-friendly climate, robust workforce development programs, and community partnerships. For manufacturers and carriers, that translates to sustained opportunity and the need for dependable partners to keep operations running smoothly.
Why Pallet Partners Matter More Than Ever
As cold storage and food production facilities multiply, the logistics infrastructure behind them must scale just as quickly. Pallets are the silent backbone of that infrastructure.
From bulk protein and baked goods to beverages and frozen foods, every load starts and ends on a pallet. With thousands of new pallet positions being built into Georgia’s cold storage systems, strategic pallet planning isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Newnan Pallet Company supports that mission by supplying high-quality wood pallets, custom builds, and repair services tailored for food and cold storage environments. With a focus on reliability, sustainability, and on-time delivery, Newnan Pallet helps keep Georgia’s food industry moving — one pallet at a time.
Georgia’s economy is growing from the ground up, which has led to demand for reliable logistics support. As companies like Pilgrim’s, King’s Hawaiian, and PermaCold Logistics expand, the need for durable pallets, efficient recycling, and just-in-time delivery continues to climb.
For businesses scaling alongside Georgia’s food manufacturing boom, now is the time to secure your logistics foundation. Whether you need new pallets, refurbished solutions, or a long-term partnership, Newnan Pallet Company is ready to keep your operations strong through every season of growth.
Ready to strengthen your supply chain?
Contact Newnan Pallet Company today for a custom pallet solution designed to move your business forward.