MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $250,000 grant to aid the creation of a new business and the expansion of another one. The two businesses, which are related, will provide more than 70 new jobs for Pike County within three years after completion of building projects.
The Community Development Block Grant funds will be used for infrastructure improvements in the North Brundidge Industrial Park where Magnolia Vegetable Processors will build a 28,000-square-foot plant that will produce pickled food products, relishes and salsas.
An associated company, Southern Classic Food Group, plans its fifth expansion in 14 years by constructing a 27,250-square-foot building. Southern Classic Food produces sauces, marinades, dressings, syrups and mixes for nationally and regionally recognized brands and is expanding to include juice packaging.
“The job opportunities provided by this Community Development Block Grant are significant, and will provide other economic opportunities with this development,” Bentley said. “This investment will mean more jobs within the walls of these companies, but farmers, truckers and other businesses will also benefit.”
The city of Brundidge will provide $174,881 to supplement the CDBG funds to make the sewer and water services and road access improvements that are necessary for the growth.
Bentley previously awarded a $173,438 CDBG for a $3.8 million expansion of Southern Classic Food in 2014 when 49 jobs were added.
Bentley made the announcement today in Brundidge that the grant had been approved.
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 manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Contact: Jim Plott or Larry Childers