Once ranked among the world’s leading producers of coal, Jasper’s economy was built on coal mining and cotton production. Today, Walker County’s prominent location on the Interstate 22 corridor northwest of Birmingham makes it attractive to businesses looking to start up, expand or relocate. Companies are also drawn to Walker County’s Southern hospitality and relaxed lifestyle.

The Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority is one of the first places new businesses turn to get information about doing business in the area, as well as available industrial sites and buildings.

Walker County’s Major Employers

Major employers in Walker County include Walker Baptist Medical Center, Bevill State Community College, Marshall Durbin (a chicken processing plant), Walmart stores in Jasper and Sumiton, Alabama Power, First National Bank, Jasper Lumber, B&D Industrial Service, Alabama Moulding & Cabinet and Warrior River Steel. 

Marshall Durbin is based in Birmingham and distributes chicken products all over the world. The company has processing plants in Jasper and Hattiesburg, Miss. The Jasper plant employs approximately 500 people.

Historic Downtown Jasper

Visit Historic Downtown Jasper and you’ll find an array of shops and restaurants, many of which are members of the Downtown Merchants Association. Browse quality men’s clothing at Bernard’s Store for Men, one of Jasper’s oldest downtown businesses (established in 1949), or shop for fun and unusual gifts at The Very Idea or Girlie Things Boutique.

Andrew Posey & Son is another historical landmark downtown. Established in 1924, Andrew Posey & Son started as a grocery and feed store, but today it carries a variety of products, from hardware and kitchen supplies to home wine-making and brewing kits.

Downtown Jasper also features a jewelry store, flower shop, photo studio, tea room, nail salon, bank, fitness studio and the Main Street Diner.

Tom Bevill Industrial Park

Another hotspot for business in Jasper is the Tom Bevill Industrial Park, located a short distance off U.S. Highway 78 and state Route 69. The 500-acre industrial park is overseen by the Jasper Industrial Development Board. It is named after 15-term U.S. Congressman Tom Bevill, who was from Walker County. 

Now that you're learned about working in Jasper, AL, find out what it's like to live in Jasper.