Grand Springs President and CEO, Robert SmithGrand Springs is expanding its bottled water facility in Alton to accommodate the packing requirements of a new customer, one it will begin packaging for in January.

According to Grand Springs President and CEO Robert A. Smith, the Alkaline Water Company Inc. DBA Alkaline 88 and Grand Springs have entered into a co-packing agreement to expand Alkaline 88’s footprint across the North Eastern United States in the coming year.

Richard A. Wright COO of The Alkaline Water-Company, said, “This agreement creates a great opportunity for us to utilize an SQF certified facility and increase our manufacturing capacity on the east coast. We are very fortunate to have Grand Springs as a co-packer. Their commitment to quality and customer service will allow us to aggressively expand into major retailers in the northeast."

Smith said, “We are very excited to be in business with one of the fastest growing beverage companies in the country, and we are proud to be associated with a group that shares our commitment to producing the highest quality drinking water.”

Grand Springs has grown as a company slowly and methodically since Smith arrived in Halifax County in 2003. With this commitment from Alkaline 88, Grand Springs has expanded its facility from 47,200 to 60,200 square feet.

Also, this expansion will allow Grand Springs to add an additional 20 employees.

To accommodate the new volume, Grand Springs will hold an open house job fair at the Grand Springs facility located at 2140 Mt Carmel Road in Alton (434-753-2515) from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Anyone who would like to apply for employment with a locally owned company, which offers a stable job environment to people who are looking for long-term employment may apply in person at the job fair on Dec. 7.

Those who already have an application on file do not need to reapply.

Grand Springs is a drug-free work place. All potential employees are required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, Smith said.

Background and references checks will be required. Grand Springs conducts unannounced random drug screenings to insure Grand Springs remains a drug free facility, Smith added.

Grand Springs is seeking to hire individuals who have a good work history, good attendance record and a positive attitude. The shifts available will be first and second shift.

Some of the requirements for the positions are:

  • Maintain a clean work environment
  • Operating equipment as required
  • Effectively communicate with the supervisor
  • Read, write and comprehend information provided
  • Understand the company policies and safety policies including but not limited to GMPs and SQF guidelines
  • Some lifting will be required
  • You must be able to work on a concrete surface for extended periods of time
  • Able to work overtime as needed

“Grand Springs is looking forward to bringing new jobs to the Alton community,” Smith concluded.

From The Gazette-Virginian