A Great Day

By Ken Bonner
The Daily Sentinel
Published January 5, 2011

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley officially welcomed Heat Transfer Products Group to Scottsboro Wednesday in ceremonies at the company's facility in the Scottsboro Industrial Park.

In August, shortly after Witt Heat Transfer Products (a part of the Carrier Corporation) was purchased by Monomoy Capital Partners, L.P., the company announced that it would consolidate its Yuma, Az. operations with the local plant. Part of the company's corporate offices are housed locally with the remainder located in Brea, Ca. The company is now known as HTPG.

We've been very successful as a state at recruiting new industries. But we've also worked hard to help make the companies we've got here more successful. When they're successful, they're going to grow, and when they grow they create more jobs and opportunities for people,” Riley said. Government shouldn't be an adversary to employers. Instead, we've forged partnerships that help Alabama compete for and win new jobs.”

HTPG is a manufacturer of commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment. It provides products for retail food vendors and food service industries. The company's workforce has grown from 319 employees to approximately 400 since its August announcement. It anticipates additional growth within the next two years.

"We're really excited about the opportunities of this company," HTPG CEO John May said. "We're seeing job growth and since our consolidation business has really taken off. We're the second largest provider of refrigeration products in the U.S."

Riley presented May with a replica of the Alabama Great Seal in welcoming him and the company to the state.

"John wouldn't be here if it wasn't for people in this room, people that take pride in their community" Riley said in telling May that local and state leaders stand ready to help the company at any time. "We believe if we work together we'll both be successful."

Riley, who will by replaced by Dr. Robert Bentley later this month, was joined by approximately 100 local governmental, business and civic leaders at the expansion announcement ceremony hosted by the Jackson County Economic Development Authority.

"This may very well be our last announcement before I go out," Riley said. "I promise you it's not going to be the last for Alabama and it's not going to be the last for Scottsboro. We've got a (economic development) team together that is known internationally."

"We are here to celebrate the growth and expansion of HTPG," JCEDA President and CEO Goodrich "Dus" Rogers said. "It's a great day. We're excited, great things are happening in Jackson County."

HTPG, which has a finished goods warehouse adjacent to its manufacturing operation, anticipates beginning construction on an addition to its offices within the next month. It will also expand its parking lot.

"We appreciate all the hard work to help make this happen," Paul Andrzejewski, plant manager and director of operations said. "We look forward to continued growth."

Newly elected State Senator Shadrack McGill and state representatives John Robinson and Wayne Johnson were on hand to welcome company officials to the city as were members of the Scottsboro City Council, the Jackson County Commission, JCEDA and Scottsboro Industrial Development Board, and representatives from several state and regional agencies that helped put an incentive package together for the company.

"Economic development is one of the things I enjoy the most," Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter said. "I love selling our city and our county. I've learned we have to be sensitive to the needs of existing industry. And, I realize that Gov. Riley has not only talked the talk of economic development, he has walked the walk."

Rogers pointed out that industries are growing in Jackson County. He said that Sanoh, Johns Manville, H&N Catalyst, Manroy and Maples Industries, all located in the Scottsboro Industrial Park, are expanding and adding jobs.

"Alabama is on the verge of doing some more great things. I'm truly going to miss it," Riley said. "This is a prelude of things to come."