CULLMAN — After more than 15 years in Cullman, auto parts supplier Keystone Automotive celebrated the grand opening of a new facility Tuesday on Golf Course Road. The new, 60,000-square-foot location replaces their older, smaller site at Cherokee Avenue.
The expansion included a $3 million investment in equipment and construction, which retained 41 jobs in Cullman County.
John Fowler, with Keystone, said the expansion has been in the works for several years, as the company planned for sustained growth in the area.
“We’ve been working and trying for two years to move and relocate, so this is a long time coming,” he said. “Without the help of the economic development office and local officials, this might not have been possible.”
Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves praised Keystone’s commitment to the community since opening in 1993.
“Keystone has really been a stable, quiet entity in the community,” he said. “After hearing about the expansion I was excited to see it come together. We’re so proud to have such a quality company in Cullman County.”
Graves noted mid-size businesses play a substantial role in the local economy, and praised the local efforts to retain and support existing business.
“With 40 employees, Keystone makes a significant impact, in areas like sales tax for the community,” he said. “They’ve been a great corporate citizen and we look forward to the next 20 years.”
Cullman Mayor Max Townson said Keystone exemplifies the diversity present in the industrial climate of the city and county.
“We’ve very proud of Keystone, and its an asset for this community,” he said. “I also want to thank the economic development office and development boards, because they all played a role in attracting and keeping Keystone in Cullman.”
Keystone is an after market supplier of auto parts, serving areas across Alabama and the southeast.
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
