By Dawn Kent - al.com
Businesses tied to the automotive industry are adding new jobs in Walker and Bibb counties.
(The Birmingham News file/Bernard Troncale)
Expansions of existing businesses, along with a new plant, are creating more than 200 new jobs in Walker and Bibb counties.
In Walker County, heavy-haul platform trailer manufacturer Fontaine Trailer Co. is adding 100 jobs, while automotive supplier Amtex is adding 75 jobs. Both companies are in Jasper.
Gov. Robert Bentley and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs today announced a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant that is supporting the expansions.
Jasper and the Jasper Water Works and Sewer Board will use the grant money to upgrade water services in Tom Bevill Industrial Park, where both companies are located. Local funds of $127,000 also have been set aside for the project.
In Bibb County, a $250,000 CDBG grant will help provide water service for ThyssenKrupp Materials North America's new materials processing and distribution center, which will employ 45 people within five years of its opening, Bentley and ADECA said.
The plant, located near Woodstock, will supply materials for auto and appliance manufacturing, among other goods. Local funds of $222,500 have been pledged for that project.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates CDBG funds to Alabama, and the money is awarded by ADECA and the governor.