Blue Bell producting ice cream at Sylacauga facility

Blue Bell’s production facility in Sylacauga is producing and stocking ice cream for eventual distribution.

Jenny Van Dorf, Blue Bell’s public relations market specialist, says the production is part of an ongoing test of operations at the Sylacauga facility. Should no issues be found in the product, it will be used to build up the facility’s inventory.

There is no timeline for when the product will be distributed, though Van Dorf said Blue Bell has been pleased with the progress made at the Sylacauga plant.

She did not provide specific details or reports from the FDA or Alabama Department of Public Health, nor could she confirm how much ice cream has been produced to this point, as production varies on a day-to-day basis.

She added that Blue Bell is committed to working with both entities and will not release any product from the inventory until all parties are comfortable with its safety and quality.

The Sylacauga facility is operating with about 150 employees, half the workforce it had before Blue Bell furloughed 180 employees and laid off another 40 in May.

Van Dorf said Blue Bell expects the local facility to have 250 employees once the plant reaches full production capabilities. The remaining employees will need to be brought in stages.