By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congressman Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia issued a written statement following the announcement by ThyssenKrupp Materials North America that it will build a new $13 million materials processing and distribution center in Woodstock in Bibb County. The company has stated that it expects that the 100,000 square foot facility will create up to 45 new Alabama jobs.
Representative Bachus said, “The announcement by ThyssenKrupp that it will invest $13 million to build a materials processing and distribution center in Woodstock is outstanding news for Bibb County, our regional economy, and indeed for the entire State of Alabama. It is an economic bright spot to celebrate. A major investment like this creates not only direct jobs, but spin-off jobs as well. My commendations go to all involved with this exciting project and to ThyssenKrupp for making another significant investment in the State of Alabama, which has a work ethic and business climate second to none.”
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said in a written statement, “Alabama has become a destination state for the automotive assembly and automotive supplier sectors, and today’s announcement helps us build on our success. We appreciate the opportunities that companies such as ThyssenKrupp Materials North America provide in the form of jobs for our citizens and investment for our state’s economy. Alabama has a strong workforce and a business-friendly climate. Job creation remains my number-one priority, and this announcement will mean more new jobs and more new opportunities for the people of this area. I want to thank everyone who worked together to make this announcement possible.”
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield (R) said, “Alabama has a distinct advantage in attracting OEMs, suppliers and companies which are involved in automotive-related research activities. The state has several universities that are participants in the Automotive Research Alliance (ARA). Automotive manufacturers and suppliers can use the resource and training program of the universities to advance technology as well as manufacturing solutions.” Secretary Canfield thanked Department of Commerce Project Manager Hollie Pegg for her work on the project.
The President and CEO of ThyssenKrupp Materials North America Hans Josef Hoss said, “The decisions to locate our Coil Processing Group’s newest processing and distribution center in Alabama reflects the economic vitality and extensive opportunities that exist in the southern United States. Many of our top customers, including Original Equipment Manufacturers, have plants and facilities in Alabama and the surrounding states and require just-in-time processing and delivery. Our goal is to further embrace their supply chains by building this new facility right her in Woodstock.”
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Jim Byard said, “While most rural counties have experienced substantial out-migration, Bibb has bucked the trend with steady population gains. Because growth requires adequate public facilities, ADECA has been pleased to be a partner on past infrastructure improvements and we look forward to assisting Bibb County as they prepare to welcome their new neighbor, Thyssenkrupp.”
Construction on the project will begin immediately. Initially in 2013 the facility will employ 20 people but that will gradually increase.
Congressman Spencer Bachus represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes Bibb County.
