New industry coming to Park

By Ken Bonner
The Daily Sentinel
Published April 5, 2007

A new industry will soon call Jackson County home.

Dus Rogers, President and CEO of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority, told The Daily Sentinel Thursday that KTNA, a manufacturer of automobile interior components, has committed to building a facility in Phase II of the Jackson County Industrial Park at Hollywood.

One of the last hurdles was cleared Tuesday night when the Hollywood Town Council voted unanimously to agree with a recommendation by the county industrial development board to grant a tax abatement for the company.

"We're excited," Rogers said. "This is a company we've been working with for over a year. This is a project that is a direct result of our marketing the spec buildings in the park."

KTNA represents a joint venture between French and Japanese companies. The Hollywood location will mark their first plant in the United States. A formal announcement and groundbreaking ceremonies will be held at the site in the near future.

The company will occupy a 36,000 square foot facility to be built near a spec building completed by the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board. They anticipate beginning operations with approximately 20 employees by Nov. 1. As many as 70-100 people could eventually be employed.

"They will grow from there (20) based on market conditions," Rogers said. "We hope they will be the anchor for the industrial park and that the announcement will create excitement and more people will follow."

"The people at Hollywood were very cooperative and very agreeable. They are excited to see something going into the park," Rogers said.

Rogers said many organizations were involved in luring KTNA to the area. He thanked the JCEDA board, City of Scottsboro and its IDB, local legislative delegation, NAIDA (North Alabama Industrial Development Association), State of Alabama, North Alabama Electric Coop and the Scottsboro Water Sewer and Gas Board for their help.