Provalus expanding jobs in Brewton

Construction is well under way in downtown Brewton for Provalus' new 50,000 square foot office complex that, once complete, will enable the technology company to more than double its current workforce of about 125 employees.

General Manager Will Ruzic said the new complex will be tying into Provalus' existing building. He said the complex is being designed to accommodate 300 to 400 employees.

"We will have a state-of-the art IT (Information Technology) production building downtown," Ruzic said.

Ruzic said he hopes once the building is complete and jobs expand, it will help bring other businesses to Brewton, especially in the downtown area.

Once complete, Ruzic said the company plans initially to increase employment to about 300.

"At 300, it becomes a regional effort," Ruzic said. "That means there will be other needs like housing in the area."

Ruzic added that the contractor is committed to finish the complex by July but said August or September is more realistic.

"It's designed to fit downtown with historic brick," he said. "It will include a large outdoor space to create a fun atmosphere."

Ruzic also said the company is "hiring every day".

"We need employees now," Ruzic said.

He said people interested in joining the business technology company can go to provalus.com.

Brewton Mayor Yank Lovelace said the expansion of Provalus is great news for the city and it should help spur more economic development downtown and beyond.

"We're excited," Lovelace said. "The building is on track. Provalus is doing very well financially and is expanding."

Lovelace said the city has already begun to see the ripple effect Provalus will create to bring other businesses to the city.

"There are already three or four companies that should be announcing their plans in the next few weeks," Lovelace said.