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High-tech utility pole manufacturer to locate in Tallapoosa County

DADEVILLE, Alabama – Dadeville Pole Co. plans to construct a new facility to manufacture and distribute power poles at the William Thweatt Industrial Park in Tallapoosa County, providing the rural region with an economic boost, according to the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance.

“We are extremely pleased that Dadeville Pole chose the Thweatt Park and we welcome them to Tallapoosa County,” County Commissioner Emma Jean Thweatt said.

Dadeville Pole, a subsidiary of Alabama-based Ziebach & Webb Timber Co., signed an agreement to acquire 23 acres in the Thweatt Industrial Park. Dadeville Pole will make a $5 million investment in the property with plans to construct a facility to produce power poles, pilings and related products for utility suppliers and other entities.

Dadeville Pole plans to utilize the latest technologies in the pole manufacturing industry, meeting high standards of safety, quality, efficiency, consistency and customer service.

Dadeville Pole Co. Alabama
Dadeville Pole Co. plans to construct a new facility to manufacture and distribute power poles at the William Thweatt Industrial Park in Tallapoosa County.

“We are excited to add Dadeville Pole to our industrial base and look forward to a long-term partnership ensuring their success,” Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Chad Odom said.

“This announcement is not only a great opportunity for job expansion in our area, but also demonstrates that the Thweatt Industrial Park was and is a wise investment for the City of Dadeville and Tallapoosa County,” he added.

GROWTH PLANS

Mark Byal, general manager of Dadeville Pole, said the company knew that the Thweatt Industrial Park was the right location for the project after meeting with the Lake Martin EDA and local officials.

“You can tell that the economic development office surrounds themselves with a great team, they were able to pull all the players to the table, the County Engineer’s office, the Commissioners, Alabama Power, the City of Dadeville, no matter what our questions were, the EDA team was able to find an answer for us,” Byal said.

Dadeville Pole will initially create 12 direct jobs to operate the mill and dry kilns, as well as sustaining and promoting numerous indirect jobs with local wood suppliers and loggers.

With construction on the new building beginning in late September, the facility will be in full operation by the end of 2020.

“These are exactly the types of jobs that we want to see in Dadeville, and I am thrilled to welcome Dadeville Pole to the area,” Mayor Wayne Smith said.

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Manufacturing

BRUNDIDGE, Alabama – Southern Classic Food Group LLC plans to invest an additional $14.2 million at its facility in Pike County, a project that is expected to add 82 jobs over the next two years. The company’s Brundidge operation supports the production of a variety of sauces, dressings and related food products for branded and private-label customers. Increased demand across key product lines is driving the expansion. The work will include adding manufacturing lines, upgrading equipment and supporting infrastructure, which will position the facility for continued growth and operational improvements. During 2025, Southern Classic became part of Trillium Foods LLC, based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, headed up by the Reddy family. “We’re excited to continue investing in our Brundidge operations and the Pike County community,” said Chuck Caraway, company representative. “This expansion supports growing demand across our product portfolio and allows us to enhance our capabilities, improve efficiency and better serve our customers. We appreciate the partnership from the state of Alabama and local leadership as we move forward with this next phase of growth.” The continued growth of Southern Classic in Pike County shows the company’s confidence in the local workforce and the overall vitality of the region, said Margaret Henderson, south rural development project manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Rural Alabama is home to vibrant businesses that prioritize innovation and high-quality products,” she said. “We know that the strong community support for Southern Classic will continue as the company enters this next chapter of growth in Pike County.” John Ramage, chairman of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation, said supporting and strengthening the local business community is at the core of the organization’s mission. “Southern Classic continues to play a significant role in our local economy, and we are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring for Brundidge and Pike County,” Ramage said. Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd said the company is a key contributor to the local workforce. “We are so excited about this expansion project with Southern Classic. They are one of our most important employers, and the city is very proud to partner with them to bring these 82 new jobs to our community,” Boyd said.