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“We finally got the snail across the line.”

After some six years, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held Feb. 6 for Perdido River Meats (PRM), a meat processing facility.

The $29 million facility will be approximately 23,000 square feet with a retail storefront dedicated to both consumer and wholesale customers. According to a release, operations plan to pen harvesting at around 50 cattle per week and increase with demand. The facility will initially focus on cattle, and eventually will handle hogs.

Perdido River Farms Director John English thanked the Poarch Creek Indians Tribal chairwoman (Stephanie Bryan) and Tribal council for making the facility a reality.

“The first conversation on the facility was held six years ago,” English said, adding his thanks for all the key players in the project. “We are here to celebrate, but to also show our commitment to our community and the surrounding area.”

Tribal Councilmember Keith Martin said the building is a long time coming. He added that there were some hurdles the Tribe had to go through in order to get the facility up and going.

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate spoke about how essential a meat processing facility is to the community.

“This is a $30 million investment made in Atmore,” Pate said. “This is the largest facility in the state of Alabama.”

During a post-event press conference, Pate said there are around 90 meat-processing facilities in the state.

Pate said residents expect food safety, adding that the state and country has the safest food supply in the world.

General Manager Jose Antillon said at present, there are 15 ranchers in the area processing their cattle at the facility.

Antillon said the facility has the ability to provide both fresh and frozen products.

“You’ll be able to taste the difference; the flavor of passion, the flavor of hard work, the flavor of dedication and the flavor of quality,” Antillon said.

During the grand opening, the Pow Wow Club performed and the Tribal Princesses introduced themselves.

Martin said during the post-event press conference that this is a big day for the Tribe.

‘This is a major accomplishment for the Tribe,” he said.

Martin said the facility has its own treatment building, and the only run off (rain) coming from the building will be from the roof going into the parking lot.

Martin said the facility will be far reaching.

Antillon said the facility will provide a convenience for area ranchers to have their steers processed.

“This is a great day for the Tribe,” he said.

Perdido River Farms consists of 2,900 acres of Tribal-owned agricultural properties supporting a sustainable herd of cattle, which produces USDA-inspected beef for the public.

According to a release, the facility will create around 15 fulltime positions for Escambia County, Ala.

A big crowd turned out for the grand opening, including local and state dignitaries.

PRM is located at 490 Atmosphere Rd., Atmore.