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
-
-
Train vs. car, no one injured
Sean Hart, 32, had driven County Road 917 at least a hundred times to reach his Johnson’s Crossing home, but Thursday afternoon was different.
-
Train vs. car, no one injured
Sean Hart, 32, had driven County Road 917 at least a hundred times to reach his Johnson’s Crossing home, but Thursday afternoon was different.
-
Wrong number leads to drug arrest
If you’re calling someone to set up a drug buy, it’s important to make sure you dial the correct number first.
-
Taste of Cullman event raises $8,000
The annual Taste of Cullman event raised approximately $8,000 for the Cullman County United Way Tuesday night.
-
School H1N1 clinics to start Mon.
Local schools will begin hosting free H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics next week for elementary students.
-
Farm family recognized at annual banquet
Sam and Cynthia Black and family were honored as the 2010 Farm family of the year at the annual Farm-City Banquet Thursday evening at the Cullman Civic Center.
-
Annual Farm-City banquet Thursday at Cullman Civic Center
The Farm-City Banquet will be Thursday at the Cullman Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.
-
Commissioner takes Smith Lake water proposal to town council
County commissioner Wayne Willingham addressed West Point’s town council Monday evening regarding the county’s proposed Smith Lake water project.
-
LePard trial pushed to Dec.
The trial for Derrick LePard, a former Cold Springs teacher accused of extortion and attempting to produce obscene matter of a child, should move forward in early December.
-
County commission not satisfied with city Duck River contract
The Cullman County Commission will not sign onto the city’s Duck River water plan until certain aspects of the project contract are addressed.
-
Man with meth lab in bag attempts to elude deputies
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a local man Thursday after he allegedly tried to elude them while carrying a bag of meth-making materials.
- More Local News Headlines
-
