A new business dedication was held for the expanded RealPure Bottling Company in Magee last Thursday.
In addition to the owners, Kane and Keith Richmond, a host of state and local leaders were on hand for the event.
Governor Phil Bryant spoke about what a benefit it is to have the company and its operation in Simpson County. Mike McCollough, head of the Mississippi Development Authority, attended with several of his staff members.
Bryant joked that growing up as a child he never envisioned buying water. In a tongue and cheek comment, he said he lives in Jackson and is now glad he has the option to buy water. He added that he lived in government housing, which normally has a negative connotation, but in this circumstance he was referencing the Governor’s Mansion.
Bryant played off previous comments on how important it is to get economic development as a team effort.
Kane Richmond, president and CEO of the family owned business that purchased the RealPure facility, told the crowd how the project came together and acknowledged many of its players including the Mississippi Development Authority and Donnie Caughman of the Simpson County Development Association. He acknowledged Tarius Wright, who steered the relationship between Silver Springs Bottled Water Company and RealPure. He also acknowledged his current relationship with Magee Mayor Dale Berry as well as former mayor Jimmy Clyde.
He acknowledged the role the core management team played in transitioning the business. That team included John Bickerstaff, Greg Boykin and Shelia Ware.
The investment in the Magee facility will be almost $20 million. It was announced that the employment level that day had reached 35 employees with a goal of 45. The average pay, according to information from the Simpson County Development Foundation, is almost $32,000 per year.
New automation at the plant allows for bottling up to 900 1/2 liter bottles a minute, and once a second line is in place that number should reach 1,800 bottles per minute.
On behalf of the Magee Chamber of Commerce, President Ian Cowart presented RealPure with their certificate of membership into the Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Ron Nettles, president of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, discussed the implementation of the designation of being a Work Ready Community. The desigation dovetails with the skills needed to work hand in hand with Simpson County and its business workforce.
Following the dedication service of Simpson County’s new business and industrial partner, RealPure, the doors were opened for a tour of the facility. Students from the polymer science class from the Simpson County Technical Center and students from Copiah- Lincoln Community College were on hand for the event.
