Bella+Canvas plans to open a fabric-cutting facility in Wetumpka, AL. The Los Angeles-based apparel company will invest $11.9 million in the operation of a portion of an 890,000-square-foot building vacant since 2013 when Russell Brands departed from space.
Bella+Canvas, a manufacturer of apparel for the printwear market, expects to create more than 550 jobs when the facility opens.
“The decision by Bella+Canvas to locate its high-tech cutting facility in Wetumpka is welcome news for Elmore County and for Alabama,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Not only will the company’s growth project spark the creation of a significant number of jobs, but it also underscores how Alabama is ready and eager to play a role in America’s manufacturing renaissance.”
Bella+Canvas employs over 1,000 people at its Los Angeles cutting plant. The Wetumpka facility is expected to be modeled after the facility.
“We are thrilled to be part of the community and look forward to creating jobs and opportunities for many in Alabama,” said Chris Blakeslee, president, Bella+Canvas. “After a comprehensive search, we ultimately concluded that our new location in Wetumpka, Alabama was not only optimal to enhance our manufacturing footprint and technologically advanced operations levels, but also ideal in terms of support from the local government and access to great new team members.”
“Alabama’s manufacturing sector provides an ideal home for technologically advanced operations like the one planned by Bella+Canvas in Wetumpka,” said Greg Canfield, secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce. “This is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to be highly efficient with precise processes, and I know our capable workforce will help make it successful.”
Photo courtesy Bella+Canvas
