Okaloosa County, Fla., will be the home of a new, state-of-the-art commercial bakery and distribution facility, which will create 60 new jobs. The project is from Purple Square Management, a Tampa-based management company that operates over 205 franchise locations in nine states — including 95 Dunkin’/Baskin Robbins stores throughout Florida and Alabama.
The 24,500-square-foot plant will be developed on a 4 acre parcel located within the Okaloosa Industrial Air Park — land that was previously certified as “shovel ready” through Gulf Power’s Florida First Sites program, reports the Northwest Florida Daily News.
The cost of constructing and equipping the new facility is projected to be about $4.5 million, and 60 new jobs are expected to be created as the company scales up to full production. County commissioners had approved approved an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption award for the company and discounted the purchase price for the parcel on Adora Teal Way.
“We applaud the decision by Purple Square Management and Dunkin’ brands to construct their new commercial bakery and distribution operation in the Okaloosa County Industrial Air Park and welcome the new jobs they will provide. Okaloosa County’s dynamic combination of favorable operating costs, efficient access to Interstate 10 and top-notch training partnerships will be instrumental in their continued success,” said Commissioner Paul Mixon, whose district includes the Industrial Air Park.
“With 30 stores and two currently under construction in the Florida Panhandle, we know the area quite well. The decision to build our manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County represents a new chapter for us, and we look forward to employing local people who share our commitment to delivering high quality products in the safest and most cost efficient manner possible,” stated Vik Patel, president and CEO of Purple Square Management.
“This is a great win for our area and proof positive that Okaloosa County’s ongoing commitment to economic diversification is paying off. Purple Square Management and Dunkin’ brands join a growing list of food and beverage manufacturers — including GS Gelato, Props Craft Brewery, Timber Creek Distillery and Big Creek Farms among others — that call Okaloosa County home,” stated Leslie Sheekley, chairman, One Okaloosa Economic Development Council.
Purple Square Management has initiated the 12-week facility design process and anticipates that facility construction will begin in the spring of 2022. Those interested in employment opportunities should monitor the Careers section of the Purple Square Management website at www.purplesquaremgmt.com/careers/.