Local News
Helping hand
By Trent Moore
Staff Writer
Even in the face of a tumultuous economy, two local industries are finding a way to press on.
Both Topre America Corporation and Advanced Heat Treatment recently received grants from the state of Alabama for expansion and construction costs as part of an industry incentive program.
Topre America Corporation received approximately $105,000 for phase II of a 100,000 foot, $23 million, assembly section expansion. The expansion will create approximately 50 new jobs in Cullman.
Topre America President and CEO Hiroshi Chiba said he is glad his company has found success while some automobile related businesses are having trouble staying afloat.
“At this moment, some auto industries are slowing down,” Chiba said. “We do hope they pick up again.”
As other companies face tough financial times, Chiba said it is variety that keeps Topre going strong.
“We are doing business with Toyota, Nissan and different people,” he said.
A relatively new local industry, Advanced Heat Treatment, has also received approximately $74,000 to complete construction on the business’ $7.5 million main facility.
“We’ve been open for about 14 months,” Neil Matthias, with Advanced Heat Treatment, said. “This grant was to help finish our original construction.”
State legislators Jeremy Oden, Zeb Little and James Graves were on hand at a meeting Monday to officially present the checks. The Alabama industry incentive grant program is based on a sliding scale, dependent on the project’s total investment.
“This is a grant incentive, available for new and expanding industries,” Sen. Zeb Little, D-Cullman, said.
Cullman Economic Development Assistant Director Dale Greer said the amount of diversification locally keeps Cullman’s economy and industries strong.
“It’s all about diversification,” he said. “There are so many different types of companies here.”
Cullman Economic Development Director Peggy Smith agreed, saying, “Just look at the two companies here today, because that’s a great example.”
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
- Local News
-
-
Baileyton receives grant for electrical problems at park
The town of Baileyton has received the Land and Water Conservation Grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
-
Smith Lake residents split on water plans
Residents on Smith Lake seem to be spilt which secondary water source would be best for Cullman County.
-
Signing on
Four local water authority representatives signed contracts Tuesday to join with the city of Cullman’s Duck River dam reservoir project.
-
Couple arrested for chemical endangerment of children
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two Berlin residents Saturday for allegedly keeping meth and syringes near two children.
-
Accreditation answer coming by early 2010
The Cullman County Board of Education took a step closer to district accreditation this week, though it will be next year until they know if their request is approved.
-
Robots fight to win
Holly Pond High School freshman Jordan Dover was excited when she had the opportunity to get involved with the Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) robotics competition.
-
ServSafe Program becomes mandatory Jan. 1, 2010
The Cullman County Health Department is sponsoring a ServSafe food safety class Nov. 17-20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grumpy’s Pizza.
-
Holly Pond trying to save students from addiction
If Karen Rowell can reach just one student, she will be satisfied.
-
Water on the brain
The City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission have their own proposals for a second water source for the area, and neither group has shown signs of relenting to the other’s plan.
But after Monday, that could change. -
City OKs junk rules
Cullman residents with very high grass and “junked up” property could soon be fined, as the city council has now adopted a revamped nuisance ordinance.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Baileyton receives grant for electrical problems at park
