Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded $200,000 to assist a Bullock County company in its expansion which will employ 20 additional workers when completed.
The Community Development Block Grant will enable the Bullock County Commission to improve public infrastructure necessary for To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. to construct a third building at its Fitzpatrick site. Future expansion plans are also being proposed.
To Your Health is expanding to keep up with demand for its sprouted organic grains and flour which is sold to many major and well-known companies in the United States like Whole Foods Market, Frito Lay and Kellogg and the company also has a worldwide market.
“To Your Health, like so many small businesses in Alabama, provides valuable jobs and plays a vital role in Alabama’s economy,” Bentley said. “I am proud to support the development and expansion of an Alabama small business and I delight in watching it grow.”
The county will replace water lines with larger lines needed to adequately supply the company. The new lines will also improve water service for residents who live in the plant’s vicinity.
The company, which currently employs 32 people, produces more than 70,000 pounds of flour and related products weekly and has seen a big increase in demand over recent years as more people become health conscious. In addition to a domestic market, the company exports its products to businesses in Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom and has internet sales throughout the world.
The company, which anticipates further expansion within the next five years creating a total workforce of 75 people, is also currently working with Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to create an organic farm co-op using local farmers.
Bentley notified Ronald Smith, chairman of the Bullock County Commission, that the grant had been approved. Local funding of $63,380 is being added to the project.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, and water resource management.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley