Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced today Aviagen will invest $35.3 million to expand in Pikeville with a new state-of-the-art feed mill off the U.S. 127 bypass.

Aviagen is a leading global company of poultry breeders which already has a footprint in the area after purchasing Hubbard Breeders in 2018. The project seeks to create up to 36 new jobs in Pikeville as part of a larger ongoing expansion across the region.

“With operations in Pikeville, Crossville and throughout the Cumberland Plateau, Aviagen is committed to the great state of Tennessee,” Aviagen CEO Jan Henriksen said. “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.”

“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,” said Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley.

“I am very pleased to see such a sizable investment and new jobs coming to Bledsoe County, which is a great location for new and expanding businesses. I congratulate Aviagen as well as our local officials, Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and all who helped secure this investment. I look forward to continuing to partner with them in our efforts to bring new and better paying jobs to Tennesseans,” said Senator Paul Bailey.