Post: OPELIKA SECURES SEEDS GRANT TO ADVANCE INDUSTRIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTHEAST OPELIKA INDUSTRIAL PARK

Opelika, Ala. – The Opelika Industrial Development Authority has been awarded a SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) grant, part of Governor Kay Ivey’s initiative to enhance industrial site readiness across Alabama. The funding is included in the $23.5 million in grants allocated by the State Industrial  Development Authority (SIDA) to boost economic growth and attract new businesses to the state.

Governor Ivey on SEEDS Grant Impact

“SEEDS was launched to be an important tool that supports our strategic efforts to secure high-impact economic growth projects that make a real difference in the lives of our citizens and in the future of communities around the state,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Though it was launched just last year, SEEDS is already delivering major benefits by ensuring we remain competitive for these projects.”

About Northeast Opelika Industrial Park (NEOIP)

“The SEEDS grant will have a positive impact on our Northeast Opelika
Industrial Park and new industries and businesses that come to our city,”
said Mayor Gary Fuller. “We have amazing partners who already call Opelika home. They continue to expand right here which speaks volumes.”

The Northeast Opelika Industrial Park (NEOIP) is a 2,200-acre industrial
hub located within Opelika city limits, with 800± acres remaining for development. Strategically positioned along the I-85 corridor, the park offers access at Exits 64 and 66, proximity to CSX Railway, and is just 75 minutes from Atlanta’s International Airport.

The park is home to major industrial and manufacturing companies,
including:

• Cumberland Plastic Solutions• Golden State Foods

• Daewon America

• Golden State Foods

• HL Mando America Corporation

• Hanwha Advanced Materials America

• Hanwha Cimarron

• Niagara Bottling

• Pharmavite (Nature Made)

• Walmart Distribution Center

“The park has all the amenities an industry needs to thrive. It’s zoned M-2
for industrial development and features comprehensive infrastructure,
including power, natural gas, high-speed fiber, and water/sewer services,
making it an ideal location for manufacturing, distribution, and researchbased industries. We are well prepared for future growth in Opelika,” said
City Council President Eddie Smith.

SEEDS Grant to Enhance NEOIP Development

The SEEDS grant will provide $750,350.00 in state funding, matched by an
equal investment from the City of Opelika, bringing the total project
investment to $1.5 million. These funds will be used to:

• Clear, level, and grass 125 acres to enhance site readiness.
• Create a 5-acre pad-ready section to attract new industries.
• Further position NEOIP as a shovel-ready site for future business
investment.

These improvements will strengthen Opelika’s ability to attract and
accommodate large-scale industrial projects, fostering job creation and
long-term economic growth.

Opelika Economic Development Director John Sweatman added, “This
investment reflects Opelika’s dedication to expanding industrial
opportunities and attracting new businesses. The planned site enhancements at NEOIP will strengthen the city’s position as a premier destination for economic development in Alabama.”