FOLEY, Ala. — A new industry will soon make its way to Foley.

City officials have announced that Gulf Coast Produce Distributors of Alabama will open a location this spring. In doing so, the facility is anticipated to enable area farmers to package and their produce is a clean environment for large-scale distribution to institutions and restaurants in Baldwin County, as well as Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida.

The company is owned by Gulf Coast Distributors Inc. of Biolixi, Miss. Owners Christie and Mike Alise. The two have a 38-year history of food distribution in the South.

Christie Alise said they decided to open a new location in Foley for several reasons.

”This location was appealing to us by, providing several alternatives with, quicker service to our customer in this area especially the ones on the beaches,” she said. “Also, we have a great relationship with local farmers that we would be closer to the growing areas which would able us to distribute their products locally a lot faster when in season.”

To do that, they’ll start out with 20,000 of the building’s 100,000-square-foot space.

“The remaining 80k will be turned into a food distribution center,” Alise said.

City officials say the first phase of building improvements are scheduled to begin immediately and will include refrigerated docks, coolers and freezers.

“The building has the capacity to hold 22 tractor trailer loads of food,” a news release states.

Foley city officials actually recruited Gulf Coast Produce Distributors of Alabama in order provide a distribution arm for the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market.

“This is a great addition to our business community that will enhance our farmers market,” Foley Mayor John Koniar said in a news release. “It will also benefit our local farmers and fishermen and make fresh, quality produce and seafood available to our region, benefiting our schools, hospital and restaurants while providing jobs and healthy alternatives to our quality of life.”

Alise expressed equal enthusiasm.

“We were ecstatic about growing together with this joint venture with the city of Foley,” she said. “The city of Foley have been by far the most helpful and professional group of men and woman we have worked with in the many years we have been in business. We are looking forward to an exciting growth year for everyone.”

Alise estimates that growth will consist of $7.5 million in sales during its first year in Foley. To make that happen, 25 new employees will be added at the facility, with that number growing to more than 100 in three years. She explained that the positions will vary.

“Delivery drivers, pickers, warehouse, customer service, managers, clerical, fork-lift operators,” Alise said.

She anticipates filling those positions soon, with the Foley location expected to open in two months.

“Hopefully at the end of May,” Alise said.