Gadsden lands new industry prospects

Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Mike McCain reports that One company has selected Gadsden as a location and the city is a finalist in three other industrial projects.

McCain briefed members of the Gadsden City council during a work session on industrial development activity during 2014 and projects that should be finalized early next year.

McCain said an industrial equipment company has selected a site at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport and is working with its banker to complete financing to construct a new plant.

Preparation should begin early next year and McCain said the project will result in 50 to 60 new jobs, paying average wages of $50,000 annually plus benefits.

McCain said three other projects the IDA is working on are not as certain, but a decision on them is expected early next year.

An automotive parts supplier that would be a Honda supplier is considering the former Customs Panels/Expressions Cabinetry building in the Gadsden Commerce Center for a new distribution center. McCain said the project could employ between 50 and 100, and a decision is expected within two months.

McCain has met with the company’s CEO twice in the past week. He said the CEO has asked the firm’s real estate company to prepare a draft lease of the building for his consideration.