MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to facilitate the expansion of one of Alabama’s most well-known home-grown food products, creating jobs for Alabamians.
The funds will enable Conecuh Sausage Co. Inc. to construct a new manufacturing plant in Andalusia. The family-owned, Evergreen-based business, established in 1947, is building a 102,000-square-foot plant to meet a growing market demand. The new plant is expected to employ 50 people.
“Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thrilled by this company’s success, and I am excited to see its continued growth, creating jobs right here in Alabama with this new facility in Andalusia.”
CDBG funds will be used to provide sewer services and public water to the $49 million production facility and office complex that will be located in the Andalusia Industrial Park.
In addition to the manufacturing plant, the city of Andalusia has allocated an adjacent 15 acres for a 20-unit apartment complex to house employees during training for their roles at the facility. Future plans include a retail gift shop similar to one at the company’s Evergreen plant. This addition along with proposed future expansion will mean an additional 30 to 50 jobs for the area.
Conecuh Sausage is sold throughout the Southeast and has markets in Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin. Among its retail customers are Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Aldi, Greer’s and Winn Dixie.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Conecuh Sausage has become as much an Alabama food icon as Wiregrass peanuts and Chilton County peaches,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is proud to be a part of this expansion project in Andalusia, and we wish them continued success as they go forward.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Earl V. Johnson that the grant had been approved. The city is contributing $80,000 in local funds for the project.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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