Mar-Jac expands into Perry County, brings new jobs and an economic impact in the millions

Mar-Jac Poultry held a groundbreaking ceremony last week for its new $25 million transload facility in Perry County, which will bring new jobs and streamline the company's supply chain efforts.

“Our company, at the heart of who we are, takes a lot of pride in our commitment to the local communities where we operate,” Keith Poss, director of transportation at Mar-Jac Poultry, said in a news release. “We are genuinely committed to the welfare of our employees, our customers and our community."

Mar-Jac Poultry, established in 1954, is a poultry production company headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia.

The company's investment in the new facility will create more than 20 new jobs in the first phase. More jobs will be added in subsequent phases. Company officials say the new facility will add an estimated economic impact of more than $90 million to the area.

“This project is a testament that rural areas with limited resources have unlimited potential when everyone works together and pulls in the same direction,” said state Rep. Shane Barnett, who represents Greene, Perry and Wayne counties.

The transload facility will supply grain to Mar-Jac’s Mississippi growers. The location in Perry County was chosen to help Mar-Jac optimize the shipping of its products, including rail access on the property, relieving the high cost of transporting grain to local growers.

After the initial transload facility is complete, Mar-Jac plans to continue its investment in Perry County with the development of a feed mill, officials said.

“This is a very interesting opportunity for Mar-Jac, and it is one of the bigger things we have done in Mississippi,” Tanveer Papa, chief financial officer at Mar-Jac, said.