Dothan will be home to a new Southern Roots Nut Co. pecan processing plant creating 120 jobs in the Wiregrass region, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday.
“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,” Ivey . “Southern Roots Nut Co. is a welcome addition to the business community in Sweet Home Alabama, and I know that its planned facility in Dothan will find success thanks to a dedicated and skilled workforce.”
The New Mexico-based company will invest over $16.5 million in building a new facility as well as renovating an existing building. Located in Houston County, these buildings will serve to process, store and distribute pecans.
“We are excited to welcome Southern Roots Nut Co. to our economically diverse community. The jobs they are creating will have a long lasting positive impact on our Wiregrass region,” said Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba.
Through sustainable farming practices and advanced technology, Southern Roots produces shelled and unshelled pecans, flavored pecans and pecan oil.
“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,” said Southern Roots’ COO and president of sales Brandon Harrel. “We are truly excited to partner with business-friendly state, county and city officials who truly want the best opportunities for their respective areas.”
A joint effort between the state and the city of Dothan will aid the project through tax credits and AIDT workforce development services. Additionally, the company will be supported by the city and the Industrial Development Board through the AMEA Capital Fund Program, local statutory tax abatements and discretionary support.
“Pecans are a trademark product for Alabama’s agriculture industry, with an estimated 9,000 acres of orchards in the state,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “The processing facility planned by Southern Roots is good news for those involved in the business of Alabama’s official state nut.”