Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Southern Roots Nut Co. plans to open a pecan processing facility in Dothan, Alabama. The company will invest nearly $16.6 million to outfit an existing building and construct a new facility in Houston County as a hub to process, store and distribute raw pecans.
As part of the growth project in Dothan, the company is committed to creating 120 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $4.1 million, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. The job creation is projected to take place over a two-year time frame.
“Year after year, the skilled hands working at Alabama’s food production businesses prove there is a good reason the state’s agriculture industry has earned a national reputation,” said Gov. Ivey. “Southern Roots Nut Co. is a welcome addition to the business community in Sweet Home Ala-bama, and I know that its planned facility in Dothan will find success thanks to a dedicated and skilled workforce.”
Southern Roots is a pecan grower and processor that specializes in delivering high-quality pe-cans and pecan products to customers worldwide. The company focuses on sustainable farming practices and advanced technology to ensure efficiency and quality in its operations. The company’s products include shelled and unshelled pecans, flavored pecans, pecan oil and more.
“My family has called Dothan home since early 2018 and I couldn’t think of a better place to continue our family’s tradition of shelling and processing pecans than Dothan. We are truly excited to partner with business-friendly state, county and city officials who truly want the best opportu-nities for their respective areas. We’re honored to have roots in Dothan, Alabama.” Said Bran-don Harrell, COO/president of sales.
“Pecans are a trademark product for Alabama’s agriculture industry, with an estimated 9,000 acres of orchards in the state,” said Secretary Ellen McNair, Alabama Department of Commerce. “The processing facility planned by Southern Roots is good news for those in-volved in the business of Alabama’s official state nut.”
According to the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Southern Roots selected the Dothan site over a competing location in Georgia. “This project shows the collaboration of our area leaders working as a team with our state, local-elected officials and our business com-munity,” said Walter Hill, DACC Board of Directors chairman. “We thank Gov. Ivey, her team at the Alabama Department of Commerce/AIDT, officials at the city of Dothan, Houston Coun-ty Commission, Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan, our Grow Dothan team co-chaired by Mike Schmitz and Bob Woodall, and our utility partners for all their hard work. We appreciate Southern Roots Nut Co. for their investment in the Wiregrass and enhancing opportunity with Alabama’s official nut … the pecan.”
The state of Alabama is joining with the city of Dothan to support the project through a package that includes tax credits and AIDT workforce development services. Dothan and the Industrial Development Board are providing the company with assistance through the AMEA Capital Fund Program, local statutory tax abatements and discretionary support.
Officials in Dothan and Houston County applauded the company’s investment project. “We are excited to welcome Southern Roots Nut Co. to our economically diverse community. The jobs that they are creating will have a long-lasting and positive impact on the Wiregrass region,” stated Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba.
Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe added, “The people of Houston County are thankful for the opportunities that Southern Roots Nut Co. is bringing to our area. The company’s high standard of sourcing world-class pecans aligns well with the agriculturally rich Wiregrass community.”
In a joint statement, Sen. Donnie Chesteen and Rep. Paul Lee said, “The Wire-grass region continues to excel in diversifying its economy by welcoming Southern Roots Nut Co. The company’s family values will positively impact its future local workforce.”
For additional information about the Southern Roots Nut Co., visit the company’s website www.southernroots.org.
Contact:
Colton Cureton
Vice President of Economic Development
(334) 792-5138
ccureton@dothan.com
