1980s

In 1981, Peco completed a new modern hatchery just north of Gordo. Equipped with 32 Jamesway incubators, the facility expanded capacity to 700,000 birds per week and supported a growing network of more than 120 contract growers.

A couple years later, the Hickman family acquired the Tuscaloosa processing plant from the Harris family, allowing Peco to expand into the export, fast food, retail and food service markets. Hickman Hatchery, Peco Farms and Peco Foods all began operating under the Peco Foods, Inc. name. In 1984, Hickman was inducted into the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association’s Poultry Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the industry.

In 1989, Peco expanded into Mississippi, acquiring and renovating a processing facility and building new live production infrastructure, including a feed mill in Bay Springs.