New industry coming

By Ken Bonner
The Daily Sentinel

Published January 29, 2007

A new industry has decided to call Scottsboro and Jackson County home. Aluminum One of Alabama, Inc. is moving into a building on Roy Owens Boulevard formerly owned by Allied Metals. The company will operate a secondary aluminum processing and tolling facility, including the shredding and melting of scrap.

"This is a big shot in the arm for Jackson County," Dus Rogers, CEO and President of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority said. The company expects to begin operation sometime during the second quarter of 2007. A formal announcement, including employment opportunities, is expected to be made sometime in the near future. The company anticipates employing up to 70 people when in full production.

JCEDA vice president Sheila Shephard, who headed the local organizations recruitment of the industry, said, "this is an excellent company. They will be a great asset to our area." Alabama One will lease the facility from 7525 Roy Owens Blvd., LLC, an Ohio based limited liability company. They have plans in place to expand the 60,000 square foot building, which is located across the street from Polyamide High Performance, Inc., to include additional office space. Clean up work has already begun at the location.

"Aluminum One brings a very specialized existing facility back into production. It will be a good opportunity for people to get back to work," Rogers said. Allied Metals never operated the facility, according to Rogers. The plant was originally opened by Ares Corporation, which was in production for three years prior to selling the business to Allied Metals.

A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Scottsboro City Hall regarding the issuance of Industrial Development Bonds to finance the costs of acquisition, renovation and equipping of the facility. The total aggregate principal of the bonds will not exceed $8 million. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Scottsboro is the bond issuer and will hold the hearing. Public comments are welcome at the hearing. Written comments must be submitted by February 7.