OPELIKA, Alabama — California-based Golden State Foods plans to invest between $40 million and $45 million to open a state-of-the art meat processing facility in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, creating 173 jobs.
“After careful consideration, we selected Opelika as the site for our new facility based on the strategic location along I-85, the available workforce and the atmosphere of industry and government cooperation,” said Wayne Morgan, corporate vice president of the company’s meat group.
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield and Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard joined officials of Golden State Foods (GSF) in making the announcement on Tuesday.
“Alabama continues to attract great companies like Golden State Foods,” Commerce Secretary Canfield said. “We are glad to support their growth here in Opelika.”
Golden State Foods, based in Irvine, California, is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the Quick Service Restaurant and retail industries. Established in 1947, GSF currently services more than 125,000 restaurants from its 45 locations on five continents. With approximately 5,000 associates worldwide, GSF’s core businesses include processing and distribution of liquid products, meat products, produce, dairy, and other services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Golden State Foods to Opelika,” said Mayor Fuller. “They will make a great addition to our diverse manufacturing community.”
Added House Speaker Hubbard: “Alabama is on track to be the most business-friendly state in the nation, and Lee County is a shining example of a community that will welcome and work with you to ensure your continued success.”
The Opelika-Auburn News reported that GSF is a member of the McDonald’s supply chain. GSF Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bill Sanderson told the newspaper that the Opelika plant will be responsible for production of 25 percent of meat products for McDonald’s restaurants across the nation.
“We’re thrilled to be coming to Alabama and this great city,” Sanderson said. “We are dedicated to this business that we’ll be conducting here, and we look forward to our continued partnership in bringing jobs and economic growth to Opelika and the (surrounding) area.”
