Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that Manna Beverages & Ventures was going to site a new multi-million dollar facility in the City of Montgomery. Manna is owned by Manna Capital Partners, which was started by NBA legend Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman.
“It is an exciting day for both the State of Alabama and the City of Montgomery,” said Gov. Ivey. “If you are willing to work hard, we are here to help you all the way.”
“Announcements like this are a solid sign that in the state of Alabama, we are doing things right,” Ivey continued. “Manna Beverages & Ventures represents a $600 million investment and more than 280 jobs for the state of Alabama and the City of Montgomery. It takes a lot of teamwork to achieve an announcement like this today. In my time as Governor, I have been fortunate to have an all-star team to work with Chambers of Commerce like this and the team at the Alabama Department of Commerce.”
“My goal in the next four years is to lean more on public-private partnerships to bring more announcements like this,” Ivey said. “Junior, thank you for bringing your business to the state of Alabama. You will not regret it.”
Bridgeman said the $600 million investment will “start with 170 jobs” and “hopefully will get up to 280 jobs.” He said that the company would emphasize working with minority and women-owned businesses.
“Thank you to the great State of Alabama and the City of Montgomery,” stated Junior Bridgeman. “Thank you to welcoming me and my team to the beautiful and historic City of Montgomery. We are very excited to be here.”
Bridgeman announced that Manna Beverages & Ventures “Will build our first facility in Montgomery to produce beverages for world-class brand owners.”
Bridgeman said that the 1.7 million square foot facility would be located at a 180-acre site off of I-65. Bridgeman noted that the facility should open in early 2025.
“It is special for me to be here in this special and historic place – the City of Montgomery,” Bridgeman said. “The truth is that the people here in Montgomery are genuine.”
“I want to thank Governor Ivey for her leadership and support for jobs and economic development not just for Montgomery and this region; but for the entire state,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “Manna Capital Partners launching their $600 million Manna Beverages investment does not just happen overnight. It takes a lot of work. This is another great performance by the city, the county, and the state.”
Reed praised Bridgeman and Manna Beverages & Ventures for their commitment to working with Black and women-owned businesses. “That means a lot,” said Reed. “They have already asked about opportunities to partner with our schools and grow the economic ecosystems that are here.”
Bridgeman is a retired NBA and college basketball star who invested in dining franchises and later became a Coca-Cola bottler after his retirement. Reed praised Bridgeman for his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. “He has shown the ability to manage the toughest areas of business – the restaurant and hospitality business. He is one of the top ten wealthiest retired athletes in the world. He was number four in 2016. Let’s help him to get to number one,” said Reed.
“It is a great day today to be here and celebrate with them coming to Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “When you are out there recruiting, most of the time, the prospect wants to know what you are going to do for them, but meeting with Manna, they were all about what they would do for our community.”
“We are honored this morning to welcome a new business to our community,” said Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Director Cedric Campbell. “
Since first being elevated to Governor in 2017, Ivey has focused on economic development issues to raise employment rates and Alabama household incomes. Ivey is seeking a second term as governor. She faces Democratic party nominee Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake in the November 8 general election.
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