Escambia County In Alabama Lands 300 New Tech Jobs

July 27, 2017

A multi-million deal will bring hundreds of jobs to Escambia County in Alabama.

The Brewton City Council has finalized a $6.5 million deal with Provalus and its parent company Optomi, LLC that will mean about 300 jobs for Brewton.

Optomi, LLC, a tech-staffing firm, will construct three buildings totaling 60,000 square fet on about 10 acres at the former Dogwood Hills Golf Course. Construction on the first building will begin once the company hires 50 employees.

Brewton will become Optomi’s ‘flagship U.S. facility’, according to Provalus/Optomi President Chuck Ruggiero.

“What sold us on Brewton was its people,” Ruggiero said. “The first person I met was Mayor Yank Lovelace of Brewton and he represented the city very well. We have so much gratitude towards Mayor Lovelace for helping us along in this journey.”

The project will include $1.5 million from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s discretionary fund.

“Gov. Ivey made it clear from the start that she was behind new technology coming to Alabama,” Lovelace said. “This project was a culmination of the work of so many, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome the company to Brewton.”

Applications are currently being accepted in the company’s current location in the former Cracked Pot on Belleville Avenue.

Most of the current IT jobs have been outsourced to other counties such has India, but Ruggiero said his company is on a mission to bring those jobs back to the United States.

“Provalus is on a mission to bring these jobs back,” he said. “And specifically we want to bring these jobs back to rural areas like Brewton.”

Ruggiero  said Brewton was tops on the company’s list after an extensive search in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas.”

Pictured top: Provalus/Optomi President Chuck Ruggiero addresses the Brewton City Council (pictured below). Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Escambia County In Alabama Lands 300 New Tech Jobs”

  1. Willis on July 29th, 2017 8:34 pm

    lewis t. ,have you ever heard of Navy Federal ? Escambia County Fl.

    Congratulations Escambia County Al. and Brewton all these things are good for the entire area.

  2. James Broel on July 28th, 2017 2:40 pm

    Andalusia had Sitel that offered outsourced telephone and technical support jobs for the community at low wages. $7.50 an hour and the area demographic didn’t bring in a quality workforce for the low wages. Hopefully Provalus/Optomi will offer a better wage and salary structure. Congratulations Brewton!!

  3. lewis t. on July 27th, 2017 9:31 am

    Wow, good job Escambia County Al. And by the way great job for Baldwin County for landing OWA and for Mobile County for landing the Walmart and Amazon Distribution Centers creating thousands of excellent paying jobs.

    Here in Escambia County Florida thanks to the Studer Group we have a baseball stadium and new apartments downtown. Also, construction on 9 mile road at least 40 years having right of way to widen the road. Let’s hope there can be an influx of new jobs here if governmental agencies can land Amtrak!

  4. Nana of 16 on July 27th, 2017 8:18 am

    CONGRATULATIONS Brewton, my grandchildren are there and I am so glad progress is being made so maybe they will complete school and be able to stay at home with a good job. The Escambia County and City School systems are doing a great job and the college is an excellent resource for higher education and now more good paying jobs. Thank you Mayor Yank Lovelace for looking out for your citizens. A good Mayor and good leadership working hand-in-hand makes for prosperity. Again, congratulations!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News