Photo courtesy of Larry Means
By Katie Bohannon, News Editor
The City of Attalla recently made national news. In Site Selection Magazine’s 2019 issue, Attalla received multiple accolades for its economic success.
In the magazine, Attalla was ranked second for the largest New Industrial Development project in Alabama in 2019. Attalla’s Koch project also qualified as the eighth largest total expansion or new project in the state in 2019.
Attalla Mayor Larry Means commended the combined efforts of Attalla’s city council, Etowah County and the state who worked together to solidify such a major project in the town. He reflected on his time as a state senator, when he worked with current Governor Kay Ivey (then state treasurer) and noted that she was very instrumental in ensuring the Koch feed mill settled in Attalla. As mayor, Means felt honored for the support Attalla received and the national recognition the town gained.
“It’s just heartfelt…it’s a feeling I can’t explain,” said Means. “You think of a little town like Attalla, where I’ve lived my whole life since birth and this right here is just a prime example of making things happen. Being recognized as the second in the state [for the largest new industrial development project in Alabama in 2019] is a great honor. We want to be number one next time.”
In November of 2019, the City of Attalla announced the groundbreaking for Koch Foods poultry feed-mill, a 130-acre facility that will hold more than one billion bushels of corn and service area growers.
The 55-million-dollar project will not only affect Attalla but Etowah County, resulting in a positive economic impact. Located on Burgess Road, the feed-mill will provide dozens of new jobs and complete construction within a year. The feed mill will initially provide around 30 new jobs, with available jobs increasing to around 70 positions.
“We are so proud of these jobs,” said Means. “That’s what our goal is – to bring jobs and keep everyone safe.”
The opening date for the mill is October 2021.