The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office (SREDO) today, Mon., Jan. 9, announced that iconic beverage company Buffalo Rock has agreed to purchase 47 acres of property at the Northwest Florida Industrial Park @I-10 for a new distribution facility. The project, code-named “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” is expected to bring 350-400 new jobs to the area – 150-200 that will be created here, and 200 that will be relocated here from other areas.

Buffalo Rock is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama where 85% of its products are manufactured. The company sells more than a billion containers of product each year, and US veterans make up 10% of its workforce.

“This is a very exciting time for our team, and a testament to our longstanding commitment to the region,” said Buffalo Rock Regional Vice President – Gulf Region John Isbell. “The retail landscape is growing, and this investment will position us to better meet demand. Additionally, our employee-partners will experience a first-class workplace with modern amenities. We recognize their positive experience is vital in best serving our customers, and the environment in which they work plays a significant role.” 

“The purpose of this project is to better serve our customers, employee-partners and consumers in the Gulf Region. It’s an integral part of our strategic growth plan, which will allow for efficiencies in logistics and operations” said Buffalo Rock Senior Vice President – Chief Business Operations Officer Wayne Wisdom. “We are working toward being in the new facility in the beginning of 2025, and look forward to the benefits this expansion will offer our customers.”  

“I’m excited to see that Buffalo Rock is making such a big investment in Santa Rosa County,” said Colten Wright, chairman of the Santa Rosa County Commission, who leads the board’s economic development efforts. “They will be the anchor and flagship company of our I-10 Industrial Park. Buffalo Rock bringing nearly 400 employees at wages higher than our area average, means they believe in Santa Rosa County and understand all that we have to offer. They will likely be the first of many companies flocking to our area.”

According to SREDO Director Shannon Ogletree, the project’s groundbreaking is expected in May of 2023.

“This is a big win for Santa Rosa County that demonstrates the value of our commitment to having shovel-ready sites available,” Ogletree said. “The industrial park was intentionally sited less than a mile from its namesake interstate highway, with plenty of room and easy access to everywhere. That was a tremendous selling point for Buffalo Rock.”

Ogletree added that, with the Buffalo Rock purchase, only six acres of property remain available at the Northwest Florida Industrial Park @I-10.