Alabama researchers focus on peanut genome to improve harvests
Peanuts are an important part of rural Alabama’s economy, and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is doing innovative research aimed at producing healthier harvests. Scientists at the Huntsville facility have partnered with the state’s farmers and agricultural industry leaders on genomic projects involving peanuts. The work involves an integrated approach, with researchers using input from…
Koch Foods begins operations at new $60 million Alabama facility
ATTALLA, Alabama — Representatives of Koch Foods joined state and local leaders in Etowah County on Thursday to formally open the company’s state-of-the-art grain storage and distribution facility in Attalla. Koch Foods (pronounced “Cook”) said the new poultry feed-mill will create 32 new jobs with an annual payroll of $1 million. The company invested more…
Tenax plans $1 million in upgrades, new jobs at rural Conecuh plant
EVERGREEN, Alabama — Tenax Corp. plans to invest $1 million on improvements and new production machinery at its manufacturing facility in Evergreen, where it has operated for three decades, according to Conecuh County Economic Development. In addition, Tenax will create eight to 12 additional jobs tied to a new initiative to make the Evergreen facility…
Niagara Bottling to invest $112 million in new Alabama production facility
OPELIKA, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Niagara Bottling LLC, one of the nation’s leading beverage manufacturers, plans to open a new production facility in Opelika with an investment estimated to reach $112 million. The bottling plant, located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park along Interstate 85, will create 50 jobs initially. “Niagara…
Bonnie Plants opens expanded greenhouse facilities after Alabama expansion
UNION SPRINGS, Alabama — Bonnie Plants, the nation’s largest grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens, today unveiled a multimillion-dollar expansion and upgrade of the company’s greenhouse facilities in rural Bullock County. Opelika-based Bonnie Plants said the new growing and distribution facilities in Union Springs are designed to strengthen e-commerce operations and improve production,…
FGP Holding, maker of Frios pops, plans $20 million expansion in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama – Mobile-based FGP Holding, which owns Frios Gourmet Pops and FGP Manufacturing LLC, announced plans today for a rapid expansion and production ramp-up along with a move into the former Crown Products facility at 3107 Halls Mill Road in Alabama’s “Port City.” The project features a capital investment of more than $20 million and is expected…
Priester’s Pecans, landmark Alabama brand, plans to harvest future growth
FORT DEPOSIT, Alabama – For more than 85 years, Priester’s Pecans has helped families across Alabama and beyond celebrate the holidays, and the Lowndes County company continues to write new chapters in its storied history. The pecan processor and handmade candy operation is in the middle of its busiest time of the year, as more…
J.M. Smucker to build $1.1 billion Alabama manufacturing plant with 750 jobs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The J.M. Smucker Co. announced plans today to build a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in Alabama to support production of Smucker’s Uncrustables, generating large-scale job creation in the Birmingham area. With a total financial investment of $1.1 billion, the facility in the Jefferson County community of McCalla will be constructed…
Distillery spurs vibrancy, new development in downtown Headland
HEADLAND, Alabama – When Lloyd Keel opened a distillery in Henry County three years ago, he envisioned a hobby business built on his longtime interest in making whiskey. As a boy growing up in rural Southeastern Alabama, Keel and his buddies sometimes ran across the remains of Prohibition-era moonshine stills while they were playing in…
Sweet Grown initiative connects Alabama farmers to local groceries
Sweet Grown Alabama has launched a new effort to help the state’s farmers sell more of their produce in local grocery stores. The nonprofit foundation, which promotes Alabama’s farming industry, is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and five local grocers and distributors across the state. Sweet…
