Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 OPEL I KA , ALABAMA also home to two large distribution centers – Walmart cold storage and Jo-Ann Stores – along with Golden State Foods, makers of McDonald’s fresh beef patties. “Even during COVID last year, we announced over $71 million of investment and created 173 additional jobs. That was from expansions of our existing industries and the addition of Bonnie Plants, who are currently building a new corporate headquarters in Opelika right now,” reports Huguley. The medical and health industry also brings investment and opportunity to Opelika, where Baxter International recently completed a $252 million expansion. The company manufactures medical devices for dialysis equipment and employs close to 400 people at their newly expanded 400,000 square foot facility. “They are very good paying jobs, we are very fortunate to have them located in our community,” says Huguley. In 2011 Pharmavite, makers of high- quality vitamins and supplements, announced plans to open a manufacturing facility in Opelika, initially investing $76 million. Since then, the company has continued to grow, with nearly $150 million invested and over 400 employees. Pharmavite has been a leader in the health and wellness industry since 1971, making it their mission to provide natural, complete nutrition through essential nutrients and minerals. Opelika’s main employer, East Alabama Medical Center has over 3,000 employees. As the regional medical center, the 352-bed hospital provides health services to more than 150,000 people annually. With such a diverse list of employers in the city, Opelika is also able to take advantage of Southern Union Community College as a valuable asset in terms of workforce training. “Southern Union is a tremendous ally and partner to us with recruitment,” says Huguley. “If specific training is needed, the college has the ability to provide that to the companies