Staff Writer

Brundidge will be the newest location of a Wal-Mart Distribution Center, which will provide up to 600 new jobs and will be a $40 million dollar investment for Pike County.

The long-awaited announcement was formally made today by Gov. Don Siegelman at the Knox Ryals Pavilion in Brundidge.

"The partnership with Wal-Mart and Alabama provides hopes and dreams of a better quality of life for Alabama families," Siegelman said.

"Wal-Mart brings to Alabama, not only it’s international reputation as a first-class corporation, but it also brings high-skill and high-paying jobs to Alabamians."

On Sept. 18, the Brundidge City Council rezoned 300 acres on Pike County Road 6, across from the Brundidge Country Club, for the purpose of building the manufacturing facility.

Last month, State Sen. Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne, said Pike County was picked over several other areas, including Florida.

The Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Brundidge will be the third to locate in Alabama. The other two distribution facilities are in Opelika and Cullman.

Wal-Mart’s distribution facilities act as a central warehouse. Everything from pantyhose to televisions are stored there until they are distributed to stores all over the Southeast.

Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, said today’s announcement is "monumental," not only for Pike County, but for Southeast Alabama.

"This project is actually is going to benefit all of Southeast Alabama," Gaylard said. "It’s an economic boost we’ve needed so badly for a number of years."

She said those involved have been working at least six months on this particular project and the formal announcement is the result of a team effort.

"The governor has been instrumental and supportive in this effort," Gaylard said. "We’re just excited the company chose Pike County to locate this new facility."

She also credited "the economic development team" for Wal-Mart choosing Brundidge as a location for its newest distribution center.