GOOD HOPE — AGCOR Steel cut the ribbon on its new 128,000-square foot plant in Good Hope Friday, the culmination of an expansion that took nearly two years to complete. The plant also includes a 9,000-square foot expansion for its steel truss facility. Since moving from its original location in Vinemont, the company, a manufacturer and retailer of metal siding and metal trusses, has doubled the number of employees from 25 to 50-60 employees.

Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett recalled the first meeting with AGCOR CEO Zac Smith and Rep. Corey Harbison. “I feel like I saw the birth of what we see today,” he said. “There were a lot of obstacles to be overcome, but this man [Smith] wouldn’t hear it. If we said, ‘this is a problem,’ he’d say, ‘yeah, but what if?’” With state, city and county officials working together, and with the help of the Cullman Economic Development Agency and Cullman County Economic Development, Bartlett said, they overcame those obstacles. “From that, this is what we have today, and I’m just so proud that I was able to be a part of that,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett said the plant is a $5.5 million investment that produces $60,000 annually in property tax and generates approximately $600,000 in tax revenue annually. 

Harbison also praised the partnership between the governments and said while they always welcome new industry to the county, watching a local business grow is special. “It’s very impressive to see what Zac has started with his company and what he’s grown it to, and I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do in the future with it,” he said.