Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey helps cut ribbon on new mineral water bottling facility

JEMISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Mineral Springs, LLC opened a new bottling facility Wednesday.

Its bottled “Simply Artesian” water product includes a little bit of history.

Alabama Mineral Springs stated its story goes back over 165 years when springs were discovered in Chilton County. The springs were used as an onsite healing center.

Now, the purified water is being bottled and will be put on store shelves. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the plant is a growing part of Alabama’s economy.

“Since this plant can bottle up to 5,000 servings an hour, I hear they might even have folks in Mississippi and the Florida panhandle have a sip or two,” Ivey said. “Alabama Mineral [Springs] is the latest hard-working small business to plant its roots deep in our state.”

Marty Malizio, CEO of Alabama Mineral Springs, explained his business partner Diana Windsor found the springs about five years ago.

“The spring was pouring out of the ground and into a culvert pipe,” Malizio said. “So we went the next day and looked at it, got a sample of it for the mineral content, and it was game on.”

State and community leaders said the project is an example to other communities.

“Any time you can take a historic location like this in a rural area and turn it into a big economic development project, that’s a win-win for everyone,” said state Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield).

“It’s a great example for our communities and other communities of how to work together in a rural environment for success,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“We are a very tight-knit community here,” said Rachel Martin with the Chilton County Chamber. “Just seeing this product go out, and for everybody to learn our story, learn their story, and learn about Chilton County, I think it’s going to be a great experience.”

Malizio said his faith kept him grounded, and that he gives God all the glory.

“We’re grounded in that, and I lean on that,” Malizio said. “If I didn’t have that, we wouldn’t be right here. If we didn’t have His guidance.”

Alabama Mineral Springs has partnered with Piggly Wiggly to bring “Simply Artesian” water to Alabamians statewide.

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