Montgomery lands $600M beverage production and distribution complex

Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Manna Capital Partners plans to invest nearly $600 million to construct an advanced beverage production and distribution complex in Montgomery.

A minority-owned business enterprise and investment firm founded by Ulysses L. “Junior” Bridgeman and Kevin Attkisson, Manna Capital Partners concentrate on investment and acquisition possibilities across multiple industries, with an emphasis on sustainability and creating opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.

New Beverage Park

The new beverage park will be located on 180 acres at the Hope Hull exit off Interstate 65, near the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama location. 

The massive 1.7 million square foot production complex will start bottling in 2025 and is expected to create 280 jobs.

“Our goal is to be the leading total beverage supply chain company in North America while operating with the highest quality and sustainable capabilities needed to produce beverages for world class brand owners,” said Bridgeman at the news conference hosted by the Montgomery Chamber.

Montgomery is Genuine

He also added the following personal unscripted comments about the city of Montgomery. 

“Let me say how truly special it is to be here with you. For me to be making this announcement here in Montgomery is a place that has a tremendous history — I must say and it’s not on the script — that when we looked at various cities and people try to lure us in the various cities, what made it for Montgomery was the people that we met. They were genuine about their love for the city. They were genuine about what they wanted to do to help us and we did not see that in other places around the country.”

The feelings are mutual between the company which will be called Manna Beverage and Ventures and the city, according to Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.

Commitment to Community

“We’re proud of the partnership we’ve cultivated and we’re committed to continue to build on this together. This is another great performance again by the city, the county, our chamber of commerce and the state to bring this type of partnership to this region. Manna Beverages and Ventures is the kind of entity we want in our city. 

Any great business ventures such as this, that prioritizes black and brown communities and having a social contract beyond just what is done financially is something that we can’t ignore. 

They’ve (Manna) already asked about opportunities to partner with our schools. Our two year colleges, incubators and what type of things are we doing to help grow the supply chain and grow this network and this ecosystem right here in Montgomery in Central Alabama.”

Montgomery is on a Roll

The announcement comes on the heels of the city’s recent unveiling of a draft downtown plan and a new Alabama State Port Authority in Montgomery.

What’s next? Stay tuned to The Bama Buzz for more exciting developments in Alabama’s Capital City and Central Alabama.