Bonnie Plants opens Opelika headquarters

Nursery operations continue in Union Springs

CEO Mike Sutterer speaks to the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting in Opelika. Photo by Julie Bennet.
CEO Mike Sutterer speaks to the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting in Opelika. Photo by Julie Bennet.

Century-old Alabama plant grower Bonnie Plants celebrated its new headquarters in Opelika Friday, with speeches, ceremonial ribbon cutting and tours of the new facility.

Bonnie Plants, founded in 1918 in Union Springs, is today the nation’s largest provider of vegetables and herbs for home gardeners. The firm’s greenhouse operations will continue in Union Springs.

Bringing the headquarters to Opelika, however, will allow the firm to strengthen its ties with agricultural experts at Auburn University while bringing jobs to the community, the company said in announcing the HQ opening. Bonnie anticipates adding 60 jobs and also funding scholarships for agriculture students.

“From Bonnie’s humble beginnings as a small farm in Union Springs, this relocation signals the next chapter for our growing company,” said Mike Sutterer, president and CEO of Bonnie Plants. “We’re excited about the opportunities for future growth our new headquarters will provide as we form long-lasting community partnerships within Opelika.”

CEO Mike Sutterer and Gov. Kay Ivey check out the wall of plants in Bonnie Plants’ new Opelika headquarters. Photo by Julie Bennett.
CEO Mike Sutterer and Gov. Kay Ivey check out the wall of plants in Bonnie Plants’ new Opelika headquarters. Photo by Julie Bennett.

The headquarters building is designed to resemble a farmhouse and barn, in tribute to the company’s roots. One key feature is a 10-foot-high living plant wall, acting as a natural air purifier.

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“This headquarters relocation cements our partnership with Bonnie and will connect our University network with a potential employer for internships and full-time recruiting,” said Dr. Jay Gogue, president of Auburn University. “We welcome Bonnie to our community and look forward to watching our talented students and alumni join the Bonnie team and advance in their careers.”

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