Buffalo Rock Company is expanding its Gulf Coast operations with a $10 million distribution facility in Loxley, a project expected to bring about 100 jobs to Baldwin County and further accelerate the area's industrial growth.

The 25,000-square-foot facility, now under construction on a 10-acre site, is designed to meet rising customer demand across the Gulf Coast region. Plans call for 10,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of warehouse space, along with eight loading docks to support efficient distribution operations.

The project will create a mix of 50 professional positions and 50 distribution and logistics jobs, with an average annual wage of $75,000. Company officials said the site was selected in part for Baldwin County's access to major transportation corridors, including Interstate 10, as well as its growing and skilled workforce.

The investment comes amid rapid industrial expansion in Loxley, where a surge of distribution, warehousing and manufacturing projects has transformed the city into one of the Gulf Coast's most active industrial corridors. Its proximity to the Port of Mobile, regional highways and Southeastern markets has made Loxley increasingly attractive for companies.

"Buffalo Rock's decision to invest in Loxley speaks volumes about the strength of Baldwin County as a logistics and distribution hub," Lee Lawson, president and CEO of Baldwin Alliance, said. "This project brings a valuable mix of professional and distribution jobs, competitive wages and long-term growth potential. It also reflects the strategic advantages our region offers."

The facility is being developed in partnership with Vardaman Construction and is designed with future expansion in mind. Plans include the potential to add 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, incorporate nine additional loading docks and create up to 50 more jobs.

Local leaders say the project is another sign of sustained momentum in Loxley's industrial sector.

"Buffalo Rock's investment is a strong endorsement of Loxley as a premier location for industrial and logistics growth," Mayor Richard Teal said. "Our industrial and distribution corridor is expanding at an exponential pace, and this project not only brings high-quality jobs to our community but also reinforces Loxley's role as a key hub for commerce along the Gulf Coast."

Company leaders said the new facility is part of a broader long-term growth strategy. Over the past five years, Buffalo Rock has added nearly 2 million square feet of infrastructure and invested more than $300 million in facilities and automation upgrades across its operations.

"This facility strengthens our ability to deliver legendary service to our customers every day," said Wayne Wisdom, senior vice president and chief business operations officer. "We selected Loxley for its established industrial corridor, accessibility and long-term strategic advantages."

Founded in 1901 and headquartered in Birmingham, Buffalo Rock is the nation's largest single-family-owned Pepsi and Dr Pepper bottler. The company employs more than 2,100 people and serves approximately 7 million consumers across Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. 

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.