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Tellico Services of Alabama is renovating the former Sitel building at the South Alabama Regional Airport and relocating its business there.

Tellico is a manufacturer of sewn products. The company manufactures bandoleers (ammunition carriers) for the arms industry; Blackhawk holsters; commercial truck seat covers; and other sewn products. The company also operates a pack and ship distribution center. Moving to Sanford represents an expansion of its cut and sew and manufacturing operations.

The City of Andalusia currently owns the building, which it received in a donation negotiated by Covington County Economic Development Commission’s President and CEO Rick Clifton. The Andalusia City Council approved a lease agreement with Tellico earlier this year.

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson welcomed Tellico and owners Mark and Karen Soles to the airport.

“There are times when we work for years to secure tenants,” Johnson said. “The city has owned this building for a very short period of time and couldn’t be happier that it is becoming the home of a growing local business. Mark and Karen are local residents and we appreciate the investment they are making in their community.”

The mayor also expressed his appreciation to CCEDC for its help in securing the building and working with Tellico on its expansion.

“This is a win-win for all parties involved,” Johnson said.

Mark Soles thanked Andalusia and Covington County EDC for making the move possible. “We had an opportunity come up to expand our operation and were able to make it happen on a very quick timeline,” Soles said. “Without the community’s help and cooperation, this would not have been possible.”

Clifton said this is a great example of a public private partnership in action.

“We had the building and Tellico had the business. It was a matter of structuring a deal that worked for everyone and we were able to do it,” he said.

“Tellico hopes to employ about 40 people when fully operational,” Clifton added. “They have already made substantial improvements to the facility. We look forward to a long relationship with Tellico and appreciate their investment in our community.”

Sanford Mayor Chris Thomasson echoed the welcome.

“We are always excited with new investment and employment opportunities in Sanford. We welcome Mark, Karen and Tellico,” Thomasson said.