New industry welcomed

By Hollice Smith
The Daily Sentinel

Published May 11, 2007

Many local people and officials of a new industry participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in the Jackson County Industrial Park Wednesday afternoon.

The company is Kotobukiya Treves North America (K.T.N.A.), a joint venture into manufacturing interior components for new car manufacturers by companies from Japan and France.

Company representatives participating were Eiichi Yoshiara, president of Kotobukiya, and Bernard Treves, chairman of Treves.

Dus Rogers, President and CEO of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority, presided over the ceremony and recognized various guests. On the program were the two top executives; Jack Allen, representing Jackson County Commission; Hollywood Mayor Rick Keel; Scottsboro Mayor Dan Deason; Tate Godfrey, North Alabama Industrial Development Association; Hollie Pegg, Alabama Development Office; and Dean Bingham, president/chief operating officer of Agracel, an industrial real estate company working with the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board.

All of the officials welcomed the new company and expressed hope that this is only a beginning as it is the first industry in the new park.

NAIDA's Godfrey probably summed it up best when he said, "It's a great day."

Treves said the company plans to start with some 20 employees doing business with Nissan and is hopeful of doing work for Toyota.

Plant officicials hope to grow so that employment can reach 70 to 80 people.

Excavation work has already begun.

Akra Builders of Effingham, Ill., is the contractor. Akra Project Manager Reggie Zerrusen said some 30 people locally will be employed on the building at the peak time and those will be working for subcontrctors. Most of the subcontractors have already been selected.

Work will begin next week on the footing and foundation.

Zerrusen said the structure is to be completed in time for occupancy in November, 2007.

The Hollywood mayor said a cherry tree would be planted at Hollywood City Hall in the fall in celebration and to coincide with the opening of the new plant.

Treves said, "This place you live in is absolutely beautiful."

Rogers thanked everyone who had had a part in the new industrial announcement and said the local legislative delegation would have been there, but they are in Montgomery where the legislature is in session.

Members of the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board are Chairman Johnny Ivey, Secretary Joe Porch, Treasurer Andy Mann, Bruce Yates, Bill Burroughs, Forrest Benson and Isaac Ashmore.