At long last, what was once known as “Project Blue” in its infancy, is finally coming to fruition.

Some 75 people are now employed by Vidalia Mills in the former Fruit of the Loom Facility in Vidalia.

Two or three years ago, economic development officials referred to the prospective industry as Project Blue, and the secretive project was touted to possibility of bringing some 300 jobs to the area.

Finally in 2018 the project was revealed, paper work was signed and work began on readying the former Fruit of the Loom factory in Vidalia, a 900,000 square foot facility that sits on 150 acres of land, to house the machinery to spin local, raw cotton into denim.

Last week the first pair of jeans made from Vidalia denim was delivered to the factory marking a milestone in production at the facility.

Company officials said they are hiring more people and hope to have 50 more employees by the end of February, and as many as 450 or 500 employees by July or August.

It has been a longtime coming but the hard work and effort put into Project Blue is finally paying off.

Jobs start at $12 to $13 per hour with benefits.

Employment applications are available through Louisiana Workforce Center in Ferriday on E.E. Wallace Boulevard and at the Winn Job Center at Copiah Lincoln Community College in Natchez.

This is what we have been waiting for.

Congratulations, Vidalia Mills, and economic development officials, on the success of getting the operation underway.