Niagara Bottling and Pharmavite announce new investment in Opelika, Alabama facility
Two companies, Niagara Bottling and Pharmavite, are making significant investments to expand their facilities in Opelika.
California-based Niagara Bottling, founded in 1963, opened its Opelika facility in early 2023 with an initial capital investment of more than $114 million and created more than 65 jobs. The company expects to invest an estimated $35 million more and create 18 additional jobs.
Meanwhile, Mayor Gary Fuller announced that Pharmavite, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements, including gummies, will invest more than $12 million to improve its operations in Opelika.
Niagara Bottling works closely with major retailers, grocery stores, clubs and convenience stores across the country.
“Expansion is always a thrilling milestone for Niagara, and Opelika has proven to be a great partner on this journey,” said Brian Hess, executive vice president of the company. “The support and opportunities we have found here have helped us grow. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this great community.”
“We’re lucky to have a partner like Niagara here in Opelika,” Fuller said. They continue to embrace and contribute to our community, which means a lot to us. ”
“Niagara Bottling is a great partner to our community and a great company that provides great career opportunities at very competitive wages to our citizens,” said John Sweatman, Opelika’s economic development director. The fact that they have decided to continue investing here in Opelika is a great testament to our highly skilled workforce and our positive business environment.”
Niagara Bottling will open its Opelika plant in 2023 and already has plans for a $35 million expansion. (Adam Sparks)
Pharmavite, which manufactures the Nature Made product line, began operations in Opelika in 2013 and created 280 jobs. Since then, the company has invested more than $170 million in multiple expansions and grown to more than 600 employees.
“We are fortunate to have a world-class partner like Pharmavite,” said Fuller. “They continue to provide good-paying jobs to people in our community. They are a company built on strong values and beliefs. That’s the kind of workplace we want in Opelika. ”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Opelika,” said Solanda Prather, director of plant operations at the Opelika facility. “We are excited to continue to further strengthen our commitment to Opelika through this investment, which will help improve Pharmavite’s operations and further support our hundreds of employees in the region. For more than a decade, Pharmavite has remained committed to the vitality of our community, and our efforts would not have been possible without the continued support of Mayor Fuller, the City Council, and the Opelika Economic Development Team. ”
Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith said: This growth means significant investment in our cities. We look forward to the opportunities this expansion will bring to everyone in our community. ”
