[ Comtex News Network • 2011-09-19 ]

Pharmavite LLC, a manufacturer of Nature Made vitamins and SOYJOY bars, has chosen Opelika, AL, as the location for its new manufacturing and packaging facility.

The new facility is part of Pharmavite's strategy to capitalize on the growing global consumer trends on health and wellness and meet increased demand for its products.

Pharmavite and its business partner will be initially investing approximately $74 million in capital during the first year and based on future growth, expect to add to this investment over the coming years. The decision follows a comprehensive site selection process that included evaluating several locations in the Eastern US. Opelika, Alabama was the best fit based on the criteria Pharmavite established for this new location, the company said.

Pharmavite plans to break ground on the 330,000-sq-ft facility later in 2011. Once operational in early 2013, the facility is expected to employ approximately 280 employees in the first year of operation and based on future growth expects to add employees in the coming years. Pharmavite is currently working directly with the State of Alabama's Economic Development agency and local officials in Opelika to plan a groundbreaking event in the fall.

"This is an important step in the growth of Pharmavite and we are very excited to soon become part of the Opelika and greater Alabama community," says Mark Walsh, COO of Pharmavite. "Our new Opelika facility will allow us to have manufacturing capacity near the East coast markets, which make up a significant portion of our business."

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