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November 17, 2008

Helping hand

Grants lead to industry expansions

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.

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