Pharmavite breaks ground on Alabama facility

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite on Monday broke ground on the company’s new manufacturing and packaging facility in Opelika, Ala. Representatives from Pharmavite were joined by Alabama governor Robert Bentley, Alabama speaker Mike Hubbard, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and local community and business leaders.

“We are honored to officially join the Opelika and greater Alabama community, and we’re looking forward to accomplishing many great things together,” stated Mark Walsh, Pharmavite COO. “This new facility represents a significant step in the growth of Pharmavite and will serve as a model manufacturing facility for the entire vitamin and supplement industry.”

The 330,000-sq.-ft. facility, which will produce Nature Made soft gels and tablets, supports Pharmavite’s strategy to capitalize on the growing global consumer trends on health and wellness. Pharmavite initially will invest approximately $76.5 million in capital during the first year, and, based on future growth, expects to add to this investment over the coming years.

“Today’s groundbreaking is the beginning of a bright future for Pharmavite in Opelika. Pharmavite has an excellent reputation worldwide, and I am proud to say they will now be one of Alabama’s latest corporate citizens,” Bentley said. “The jobs and investment Pharmavite is making in Alabama helps us show the rest of the world that Alabama is a great place to live and do business.”

Once operational in early 2013, the facility is expected to employ approximately 280 employees in the first year of operation. A few managerial positions are expected to be filled this year; the recruiting for the majority of positions will begin in June 2012.

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