A planned $1.1 billion Smucker’s plant in McCalla is one of the largest in Jefferson County’s history and would create 750 new jobs.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the new venture today after the Jefferson County Commission approved an incentive plan.
The J.M. Smucker Co. manufacturing facility and distribution center will be located in the JeffMet Industrial Complex and will support production of Smucker’s Uncrustables.
Based in Orrville, Ohio, the J.M. Smucker Co. has more than 30 locations across North America producing brands such as Smucker’s fruit spreads, Jif peanut butter, Folgers coffee and Milk Bone pet snacks. The portfolio includes more than 40 brands. Uncrustables are also produced at facilities in Kentucky and Colorado.
“Because The J.M Smucker Co. is one of America’s leading consumer packaged goods companies in the food sector, its decision to make a significant investment in Jefferson County represents a powerful endorsement of Alabama’s inviting business environment,” Ivey said. “Not only will the company’s growth project create a large number of jobs in McCalla, but it will also permit us to build a long-standing relationship with a top consumer brand.”
Construction is expected to begin no later than January 2022, with production beginning in 2025.
Ron Kitchens, CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, said this is one of the largest economic development projects in Jefferson County’s recent history, both in capital investment and jobs.
“It is a strategic move for Smucker to leverage Birmingham’s strong distribution and logistics network, central location in the Southeast and a shovel-ready site to seize an opportunity for one of its fastest-growing brands,” he said. “We are very excited to welcome them to Birmingham and Jefferson County and thank them for bringing jobs to our community that will change lives for the better.”
