Andalusia getting $400,000 grant for Conecuh Sausage expansion

The city of Andalusia will be getting a $400,000 grant to help Evergreen-based Conecuh Sausage Co. build a second manufacturing plant.

Today, Gov. Kay Ivey announced the Community Development Block Grant. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The family-owned business was established in 1947 in Evergreen, and is building a 102,000-square-foot plant in Andalusia to meet a growing market demand. The new plant is expected to employ 50 people.

Action 8 News reported the announcement last February.

“Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am thrilled by this company’s success, and I am excited to see its continued growth, creating jobs right here in Alabama with this new facility in Andalusia.”

The money will be used to provide sewer services and public water to the $49 million production facility and office complex that will be located in the Andalusia Industrial Park.

In addition to the manufacturing plant, the city of Andalusia has allocated an adjacent 15 acres for a 20-unit apartment complex to house employees during training for their roles at the facility. Future plans include a retail gift shop similar to one at the company’s Evergreen plant. This addition along with proposed future expansion will mean an additional 30 to 50 jobs for the area.

Conecuh Sausage is sold throughout the Southeast and is available for shipping online.

“Conecuh Sausage has become as much an Alabama food icon as Wiregrass peanuts and Chilton County peaches,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is proud to be a part of this expansion project in Andalusia, and we wish them continued success as they go forward.”

The city of Andalusia is contributing $80,000 in local funds for the project.