AUBURN, AL  -  Lee County may be well-known as the home of the Auburn Tigers and the location of several large manufacturers like Briggs & Stratton and Uniroyal, but it’s less known as a supplier for M&Ms® chocolates.

As part of his work during Congress’ traditional August recess, Congressman Mike Rogers today toured Capitol Vial, Inc., one of the country’s leading manufacturers of medical storage devices and equipment. Capitol Vial is also known locally, in addition to manufacturing pharmaceutical industry products, for supplying worldwide candy maker Mars, Inc., over 1 billion plastic containers for its M&M Minis® chocolates.

“Priority Number One is to help create jobs and improve East Alabama’s economy,” Rogers said. “By getting out and talking with real working people, I’m continuing to learn what I can do to help improve the economic opportunities for Lee County.”

Rogers explained that Capitol Vial engineers, designs and manufacturers a wide range of medical supplies and equipment, including the ubiquitous cylinder-shaped plastic containers used by pharmacies for filling prescriptions. The company employs over 350 people and has been in Lee County since 1995.

“We certainly appreciate Congressman Rogers’ time and interest in helping create good paying, high-skilled jobs for the local economy,” said Mark Ostrowski, Capitol Vial Plant Manager and ex-Auburn University linebacker.

Rogers said the company is very Lee County-oriented, with all 15 of its engineers graduating from Auburn, and most of its specialized equipment produced and developed locally in Opelika. The company plans to expand into a new 60,000 square-foot facility next year and eventually create an additional 300 new jobs.