Montgomery development news

[kevinlpugh]

A $300,000 grant that will help provide sewer services and a treatment facility will bring the first business and about 38 jobs into Prattville's I-65 Industrial Park.

TWB Co. will become the first business to locate at the new industrial park. The company, which makes products for major U.S. carmakers as well as Far East and European auto manufacturers with plants in America, represents an investment of about $6.5 million.

"That is fabulous news," said Connie Bainbridge, the leader of Prattville's Chamber of Commerce.

She said the funds will join state and local dollars to make the TWB project a reality, and will help fund crucial improvements that will make the park more likely to experience further growth.

Gov. Bob Riley awarded the grant, using funds made available to the state through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He approved the Community Development Block Grant for Autauga County.

The funds will be used to provide sewer services, including a treatment facility, to the industrial park. The park is on U.S. 31 just north of Prattville and Interstate 65.

Getting sewer service to industrial parks in rural areas is a major obstacle for economic developers.

"Sewer service was one of the pieces of the puzzle to make the park more attractive," Bainbridge said. "This is wonderful news. The project was a partnership from the local to federal level."

TWB is a supplier of laser-welded steel used to make cars.

Another local economic development official is hoping TWB's arrival and sewer service will lead to more announcements for the 55-acre park.

Bill Tucker, director of the Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission, also expects TWB to expand.

"We are anticipating phase two to come rather quickly," Tucker said.

He added that the expanding auto industry in Alabama will prompt fast growth and more jobs in TWB's immediate future.

The company will occupy a 60,000-square-foot facility built by Marshall Construction in Montgomery.

TWB is based in Monroe, Mich., and has four plants in the U.S. and two in Mexico. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.