Bonnie Plants, the largest grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens in the nation, on Friday opened its new headquarters in Opelika.
The company’s headquarters was previously located in Union Springs, where it had been since its founding in 1918. The relocation is set to bring 60 new jobs to the area.
Bonnie Plants president and CEO Mike Sutterer expressed the company’s excitement over its relocation to Opelika.
“From Bonnie’s humble beginnings as a small farm in Union Springs, this relocation signals the next chapter for our growing company,” proclaimed Sutterer. “We’re excited about the opportunities for future growth our new headquarters will provide as we form long-lasting community partnerships within Opelika.”
In keeping with its agricultural roots, the company’s new headquarters resembles a farmhouse that includes numerous sustainable features. These include a 10-foot high indoor living plant wall which will naturally purify the office air, plentiful natural light, and indoor and outdoor workspaces.
The move will further strengthen Bonnie Plants’ partnership with Auburn University, a release noted. Bonnie Plants will fund annual scholarships with Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and College of Agriculture and support AU’s center for Supply Chain Innovation. The company also plans to recruit interns and full-time positions at the new Opelika headquarters.
The Bonnie Plants Foundation last week announced a $1.2 million donation for the establishment of the Auburn University Children’s Garden.
Auburn University president Dr. Jay Gogue celebrated Bonnie Plants’ headquarters relocation as being beneficial to the institution’s students.
“This headquarters relocation cements our partnership with Bonnie and will connect our University network with a potential employer for internships and full-time recruiting,” said Gogue. “We welcome Bonnie to our community and look forward to watching our talented students and alumni join the Bonnie team and advance in their careers.”
Even as it has relocated from Union Springs, Bonnie Plants is set to expand in the city through increased investments in its e-commerce operations and greenhouse facilities. According to the company, over 200 associates will support the increased production at its Union Springs location. More than 200 associates, including full- and part-time peak season associates, will support the increased production in Union Springs.
Gov. Kay Ivey hailed Bonnie Plants as an important employer in the state and touted the economic benefits of its relocation.
“Bonnie Plants is a long-standing Alabama company providing employment and economic opportunity in our state for more than a century,” declared Ivey. “I’m proud of their dedication to Alabama residents and I know this relocation will create a positive impact on our state’s agricultural developments for many years to come.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.