GD Copper USA announced plans today to invest $3.5 million in its Alabama precision copper products manufacturing facility, expected to create between 30 and 40 new jobs in Wilcox County.
GD Copper USA operates a $100 million plant in the Thomasville/West Wilcox Industrial Park. The new jobs will push total employment at the Alabama facility to nearly 400. The company said that the growth is in line with its original plans to expand as the facility’s business continues to grow.
“As governor, I remain committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, so I’m always thrilled to see an existing company add new jobs to its operations in Alabama,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Being a native of Wilcox County, I’m especially proud to see GD Copper growing its workforce and preparing for the future in Wilcox County. This is a step forward for this company, for Wilcox County and the entire state.”
Economic developer Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter, “GD Copper currently employs approximately 300 people and plans to add between 30 and 40 jobs with its latest expansion. The 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant is located on Alabama Highway 5 in in the Thomasville/West Wilcox Industrial Park, about 100 miles from the Port of Mobile.”
“We appreciate the support provided to us by the federal, state and local leaders.” GD Copper Group Chairman Huang Ming said.
KC Pang is GD Copper USA’s vice president of HR, Administration & Corporate Affairs. Vice President Pang said that the company has developed and implemented a “Career Path” program to train and promote local employees to be part of the management team. He added that 80 percent of the Alabama facility’s employees are from Wilcox and Clarke Counties.
Nicole Jones shared, “GD Copper’s continued investment provides a tremendous economic boost for rural Alabama and is a testament to our state’s leadership in the Metals and Advanced Materials industry.”
The GD Copper plant in Wilcox County is the most modern copper tubing plant in the world. GD Copper USA opened the 500,000-square-foot facility on a 135-acre parcel of property off Alabama Highway 5 in Wilcox County back in May 2014. The Thomasville/West Wilcox plant’s output serves the company’s U.S. customers.
AIDT, the state’s primary jobs training agency and part of the Alabama Department of Commerce, will continue to provide GD Copper with workforce development assistance.
“We’re committed to helping companies prosper and grow jobs in Alabama’s rural communities,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “The project agreement between the state and GD Copper anticipates the opportunity for long-term growth at this facility and this new investment and the new jobs it creates will be of significant benefit to Wilcox and Clarke counties. We applaud the continued job growth and the opportunities it provides to families and communities in this region of the state.”
Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day said that the company has had a major impact on the area’s economy.
“Anything is possible when good folks work hand in hand to bring development to their community. GD Copper USA has become a vital part of our economy,” Day said. “Although unemployment in Wilcox and Clarke Counties remains higher than average in Alabama, we have seen tremendous improvement as a result of the hundreds of new jobs GD Copper USA has provided here.”
