New Mexico-based Southern Roots Nut Co. plans to open a pecan processing facility in Dothan, creating 120 jobs. The company chose Dothan over a competing location in Georgia.
The company will invest $16.6 million to outfit an existing building and construct a new facility in Houston County that will process, store and distribute raw pecans.
“Year after year, the skilled hands working at Alabama’s food production business prove there is a good reason the state’s agriculture industry has earned a national reputation,” said Gov. Kay 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.”
Southern Roots is a pecan grower and processor specializing in 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 shelling and processing pecans than Dothan,” said Brandon Harrell, Southern Roots’ chief operating officer and president of sales. “We are truly excited to partner with business-friendly state, county and city officials who truly want the best opportunities for their respective areas.”
Southern Roots is committed to creating 120 jobs over a two-year time frame with an annual payroll exceeding $4.1 million, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“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,” said Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe.
The state of Alabama and the city of Dothan will provide some tax credits and AIDT will provide workforce development services to the project. In addition, the city and the Industrial Development Board are providing the company assistance through the AMEA Capital Fund Program, local statutory tax abatements and discretionary support.
