Evergreen-based Conecuh Sausage Co. will continue its work on a second manufacturing plant with an additional $400,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gov. Kay Ivey today announced the Community Development Block Grant that will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), according to a report from WAKA.

“Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border,” Ivey said.

“I am thrilled by this company’s success, and I am excited to see its continued growth, creating jobs right here in Alabama with this new facility in Andalusia.”

The upcoming 102,000-square-foot plant, which the company says it is building to meet a growing market demand, is expected to employ 50 people.

The federal money will be used to provide sewer services and public water to the $49 million production facility and office complex that will be located in the Andalusia Industrial Park.

The city of Andalusia is contributing $80,000 in local funds for the project and has also allocated an adjacent 15 acres for a 20-unit apartment complex to house employees during training for their roles at the facility, according to WAKA.

Future plans for a retail gift shop similar to one at the company’s Evergreen plant along with proposed future expansion is predicted to create an additional 30 to 50 jobs for the area.

“Conecuh Sausage has become as much an Alabama food icon as Wiregrass peanuts and Chilton County peaches,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

“ADECA is proud to be a part of this expansion project in Andalusia, and we wish them continued success as they go forward.”

Representatives for the city of Andalusia and Ivey’s office did not respond to requests for comment from AL.com.