Mobile-based FGP Holding Announces Major Expansion

– Project includes more than $20 million in capital investment
– Creates approximately 200 new jobs over three years
– Expanding from 30,000 square feet to 130,000 square feet

MOBILE, Ala. – Mobile-based FGP Holding, which owns Frios Gourmet Pops & FGP Manufacturing LLC, announced a rapid expansion and production ramp-up along with a move into the former Crown Products facility at 3107 Halls Mill Road in Mobile.

The project includes a capital investment of more than $20 million and is expected to create approximately 200 full-time jobs over the next three years.

“Having a Mobile-based company expand in our community has always been a goal of our economic development efforts,” said David Rodgers, vice president of economic development at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. “The success that FGP has had in Mobile is a testament to the company’s leadership and local support.”

Frios Gourmet Pops was founded in a garage in Gadsden, Alabama in 2015 and quickly began franchising. On December 21, 2018, Mobile-native Cliff Kennedy bought the company and moved its headquarters to Mobile. This new expansion will expand their production square footage from 30,000 to 130,000.

“Mobile is the perfect place to grow our dream of being a dynamic player in the frozen novelty industry. Through the economic support and strategic location of our city, I feel lucky to be able to make this dream a reality in my hometown. I am excited for the future and the possibilities that lie ahead,” said Kennedy.

“I’m thrilled to see the entrepreneurial success that Cliff Kennedy has achieved in Mobile and excited that the growth of his enterprise is translating into new jobs and opportunities in his hometown,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This is great news for the community and for the state because it shows what’s possible in Alabama.”

Kennedy has tapped Jeff Carter as president of FGP Manufacturing to oversee all operations and the expansion. “We are undergoing transformational change and growth, and I know that Jeff is the right person for this position, and I am excited to watch what I know he is capable of doing with FGP.”

“Our industry is ripe for innovation in process, products, and efficiency and I eagerly anticipate the challenge of assembling the best team in the industry,” said Carter.

Frios, represented by JMG Realty, L.L.C. is leasing the 3107 Halls Mill Road property from Merchants Transfer Company of Mobile, represented by Guy Oswalt and Allen Garstecki of Jones Lang Lasalle.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership, especially for the City of Mobile,” said Mac Taul of Merchants Transfer Company. “For Cliff to come in and replace Crown Products with a large employer, that’s fantastic.”

“Alabama offers an attractive environment for all kinds of people who dream of building a business and creating a legacy with a successful venture,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. “That is exactly what Cliff Kennedy has done, and I look forward to witnessing the next chapter of his company’s growth in Mobile.”

“We are thrilled to support the expansion of FGP, which will add 200 new jobs and continue to set this locally headquartered company up for future success and expansion,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Today’s announcement highlights why the City of Mobile is a great place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their business. Congratulations to Cliff Kennedy and the entire FGP team.”

“Mobile County Commission is delighted that Frios franchising and manufacturing are growing rapidly and expanding operations to include hundreds of new, good-paying jobs in Mobile County,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. “This multimillion-dollar expansion demonstrates Mobile County business diversity and our community’s capacity to support a variety of industries through both workforce and logistics.”

FGP is a manufacturer of private label and co-packed frozen novelties for national brands and retailers. They make stick products, cones and sandwiches for companies that are looking to outsource their manufacturing.

Frios Gourmet Pops is a mobile franchise company that sells gourmet popsicles from tie-dye wrapped vans. It currently has over 50 locations across the country, and it is expected to have over 100 by the end of 2022.

Visit https://www.fgpmfg.com to learn more about FGP Manufacturing and https://friospops.com/ to learn more about Frios Gourmet Pops.

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About the Mobile Area Chamber’s Economic Development Efforts

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is a private business organization with more than 1,800 members and the economic developer of record for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. Thanks to the support of the Chamber’s Partners for Growth public and private investors, from 2011 to date, Mobile’s economic development efforts have created 6,557 new jobs and retained 502 more. Capital investments topped $4.43 billion, including 31 new businesses recruited and 56 expansion projects at existing area companies. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.