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Written by Jerry Underwood | Read the original article on Made In Alabama.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Samkee Corp., a major South Korean automotive supplier, plans to invest $128 million to open its first U.S. factory in Alabama through a project that will create 170 jobs in Tuskegee and provide an economic boost for Macon County.

After finalizing agreements with state and local authorities, Samkee Corp. is poised to begin construction on the new manufacturing facility in the Tuskegee Commerce Park, where it will become the city’s first auto parts manufacturer.

Samkee will serve as a Tier 1 supplier to Hyundai Motor Co. The new jobs will pay an average wage of just over $20 an hour, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Alabama’s auto industry is filled with world-class manufacturing companies from around the world, and Samkee will fit right in with that group,” Governor Ivey said.

“We’re proud that the company selected Alabama for its first U.S. production center and look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in coming years.”

STRATEGIC GROWTH

Founded in 1978, Samkee specializes in high-pressure die-cast aluminum components, including parts for engines, transmissions and electric vehicles, along with alloys. The company currently operates factories in South Korea and China.

Parts production at the advanced casting facility in Macon County is expected to begin during 2024.

“Samkee is a worldwide leader in quality manufactured aluminum die cast products,” CEO Chi Hwan Kim said. “Our Tuskegee plant will allow our company to serve the North American market along with Hyundai’s market growth for both combustion engines and transmissions as well as electric vehicle and battery parts.

“I give many thanks to Governor Ivey, Secretary Canfield and local officials and Hyundai Motor for their steadfast support to Samkee in our decision today,” he added.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Samkee’s decision to locate its first North American factory in Macon County reflects its confidence in the region’s workforce.

AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, will help Samkee assemble and train its workforce.

“The skilled workers in Alabama’s auto sector have proved they are ready for any challenge the industry can throw at them, and they consistently turn out complex products of the highest quality,” Secretary Canfield said.

“Samkee has come to the right place for its new U.S. industrial home.”

LOCAL IMPACT

Joe Turnham, director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority, said local support for the project includes site work in Tuskegee Commerce Park, upgrades to the water and sewer system, and the installation of a new power substation.

“Samkee appreciated the local assets, spirit of cooperation and friendship developed over time with Macon County. We have strived with our stakeholders in a team effort to meet Samkee’s needs,” he said.

“We will remain partners going forward to see that they have a successful construction and manufacturing launch and future growth in the North American market. This is obviously a big win for our community and its citizens.”

Turnham said the recruitment project that is bringing Samkee to Tuskegee lasted well over a year.

“Today’s announcement is another major step in Tuskegee’s progression as a city,” Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood said. “Samkee will be a great community partner for years to come and an example of how Tuskegee is open for business in the 21st Century marketplace.

“We appreciate Samkee’s partnership with us and will strive to succeed and grow together.” The Utilities Board of Tuskegee played a major role in the recruitment, and General Manager Gerald Long said he looks forward to deepening the partnership with Samkee.

“Our utility will serve power, water and sewer to the industry. Their presence in our community will allow us to expand our system and resources to better serve them and all of our customers at an even higher-level of reliable service,” Long said. “We are proud to be a full partner in economic development countywide.”

Samkee’s manufacturing plant is expected to have a significant economic impact on Macon County, according to an analysis by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Alabama.

The analysis projects that the Samkee factory will generate $140.2 million in annual economic output in Macon County, contributing over $37 million to the county’s GDP while also generating $1.3 million per year in taxes.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, said Samkee’s investment project signals that the state’s rural counties remain a magnet for foreign direct investment, particularly within the auto industry.

Since 2015, foreign companies have invested over $2 billion in growth projects in Alabama’s rural counties, with auto-related projects accounting for a large share of the total, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Alabama’s rural communities offer manufacturers like Samkee all the essentials they need to find long-term success with their ventures,” Tuck said.

“Corporate decision-makers around the world are increasingly gravitating towards the advantages found in these communities.”

Tuskegee, AL –

Today’s announcement by Governor Kay Ivey of a new Alabama industry in Tuskegee has been one year in the making. Samkee America, Inc. is a new tier-one automotive parts manufacturer coming to our community. The new project represents an initial investment of $128 million and the creation of 170 new jobs at an average wage of $20.50 plus benefits.

Samkee is now under construction on a 44.42-acre site in the Tuskegee Commerce Park. Macon County Economic Development Authority has led the recruitment of Samkee which started its search in multiple states and over 30 communities.

“We are extremely proud to be the place and community that Samkee puts its first facility in North America,” said MCEDA Director Joe Turnham. “Our relationship with Samkee has become one of a partnership of trust and mutual effort. We will be a team going forward to make them successful and to maximize this project’s benefits for the people of Macon County.”

The community partners, especially the City of Tuskegee and Utilities Board of Tuskegee (UBT), have invested in the project site and utilities to assure Samkee can be successful over time. “Mayor Tony Haygood and UBT General Manager Gerald Long and the entire city council and UBT staff and board have been extremely supportive and worked tirelessly on a daily basis to bring this one home.” Turnham stated.

Samkee has bold plans to grow here over time and add even more assets and jobs to this equation. The site is already adapted to Phase 2 and 3 scenarios.

Samkee is one of South Korea’s largest high pressure aluminum die-casting companies and a premier automotive parts manufacturer. The Tuskegee facility will make custom parts in the engine, transmission, electric vehicle, and car battery areas of automotive.

State Representative Pebblin Warren was ecstatic about the announcement and has worked for years to set Macon County up for success by helping build the capacity of economic development authority. She commented that she will personally be involved in the workforce readiness and training aspects of the project.

Turnham noted that many stakeholders behind the scenes came to the assistance of MCEDA in winning and preparing for the project. “We’ve developed a well-oiled machine to make this happen. I would like to thank Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce team, AIDT, ADECA, SCADC, City of Tuskegee, UBT, Macon County Commission, MCEDA Board, Barrett-Simpson Engineers, Bailey-Harris Construction, Evergreen Siteworks, Attorney Milton Davis and the many consultants and specialists who have labored so hard on our behalf.

We thank our Samkee friends, especially Samkee CEO Chi Hwan Kim and Samkee America, Inc President Chan Ki Kim. We acknowledge want to recognize the entire incentives and real estate team at the law firm of K&L Gates, LLP who guided their client through all aspects of this transaction this past year. All have all been part of this successful collaboration.”

Tuskegee-Samkee now joins the Town of Shorter (Hanon Systems) by hosting another Tier-One Automotive company, Samkee. Shorter is also home to LogisAll, a Korean automotive logistics company located here in Macon County.

“The winning team spirit, a lot of prayer and the refusal to quit despite tall odds many days shone through at the end, and this win is just another mile in our journey to establish our communities in Macon County as world-class places to live and do business.” Turnham said in closing.

Read the original article on AL.com

By William Thornton | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A facility billed as the largest no-kill dog rescue in the United States is now open in Macon County.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue Alabama has turned a 100-acre former greyhound training facility into a regional rescue center, which its owners say will eventually save about 5,000 dogs a year over a region covering eight states including Alabama.

Located in Shorter, the facility will serve as a rescue, rehabilitation and adoption center for neglected and abused dogs. It’s a companion facility for a similar shelter in Palm Beach County, Fla.

“The opening of a second Big Dog Ranch Rescue location is something I’ve prayed for over the years,” Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder and CEO Lauree Simmons said. “It’s a great day for us and, more importantly, it’s a great day for the dogs.”

Founded in 2008 by Simmons, Big Dog Ranch Rescue says it has saved more than 53,000 dogs during its time.

Currently, the center is comprised of three renovated buildings housing more than 100 dogs, and a temporary veterinary center staffed by a medical team. The owner says a remaining 13 kennels will be renovated, along with other support buildings, as funding allows.

The center, according to its organizers, will help alleviate a pet overpopulation crisis in the Southeast, and allow adoptable dogs to be transported later to Northeastern rescue partners. Cost of living increases have resulted in overcrowded shelters and a soaring euthanasia rate, they say.

Read the original article on CEG

Construction crews in Tuskegee, Ala., are working on the first phase of a master-planned industrial park that's been years in the making.

The 683-acre Regional East Alabama Logistics (REAL) Park in Macon County is expected to dramatically boost economic growth in the area when completed.

"The park is being developed in three phases," said Joe Turnham, director of the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA). "The large acreage affords the community and developer the ability to offer site arrangements and clusters of larger acreage lots that accommodate buildings up to one million square feet, or buildings of 200,000 square feet. Large parcels along the I-85 corridor are becoming increasingly rare, and this large acreage park allows Macon County and REAL Park to compete in a limited space."

The project, an effort led by Farpoint Development and the local Bassett family, is situated on a portion of the existing Beck's Turf Farm. Turnham said now is the right time to build.

"Our nation and the state are very limited on available inventory of warehouse, logistics and manufacturing space that is quick to market," said Turnham. "It's hard to find lease space of this magnitude anywhere in the corridor. Some experts say America is one billion square feet short of viable inventory of space. By having partners like Farpoint and Opportunity Alabama, we are able to offer ready-space in a hungry market and win projects for our community."

The structure is being erected to attract new tenants to the project.

"The REAL Park and this first building are located at Exit 42 on I-85 in the growth area of the corridor," said Turnham. "Having available, Class-A industrial space ready for occupancy puts Macon County and its partners in a unique and favorable position to win projects that need to be in the corridor right away. Speed to market is essential in today's environment."

Turnham noted the spec building sets the tone and quality for the type of development REAL Park will become. Building 2 and 3 are expected to emerge quickly once the first building is finished.

"REAL Park has three phases planned and can change and accelerate that model based on the market and demand," he said. "We see a park that can ultimately accommodate a dozen or more buildings and at least five million square feet."

The estimated price tag will change with build-out and customer specification, with 169,000 sq. ft. expandable up to roughly 250,000 sq. ft. Costs vary, but range from approximately $15-25 million.

The effort is primarily a private development with participation from Opportunity Alabama and its new investment fund. The local public communities and utilities are providing secondary funding of utilities and infrastructure.

"The genesis of this project is based on relationships, dreams and daring entrepreneurship," said Turnham. "It's a model of how communities, investors, developers, utilities, contractors and other stakeholders can pull off a regional gem and create inventory for the state of Alabama to market, as well.

The spec building is designed by MCA Architects of South Carolina and is a versatile space with tilt-wall construction that can be adapted for various uses. It can easily be divided into smaller spaces for multiple individual tenants.

Turnham also is pleased with the expected economic impact.

"The park at full development portends to create over 1,000 new jobs, and up to $500 million or more in new investments. Furthermore, the new tax revenues and payrolls will allow Tuskegee-Macon County to invest in infrastructure, education and workforce development, as well as attract new retail and housing for a new generation."

According to Philip Williams, CCIM, Farpoint's director of development, "The site is very conducive to Class-A industrial development, and from that standpoint, it is easily developed. The biggest challenges on this project are the same other developers face with increased construction costs, a tight labor market and materials availability, which we have mitigated to a large degree.

"We are currently under construction on the first building and are continuing design on the overall site. We have completed the majority of site work and will be pouring the slab in several weeks. We will continue construction from now until the first quarter of 2023, when we will deliver the first building."

Williams pointed out, "Tilt-wall construction is the preferred method of construction for this type of industrial building in this part of the U.S., and has a useful life greater than 50 years, representing a solid structure that will attract high quality industrial users seeking a Class-A product.

"We will be completing offsite traffic modifications, including additional turn lanes and more enhancements as the industrial park continues to expand. The project will have an ALDOT standard road that spans throughout the entire industrial park. This is a unique opportunity to serve such an important community and help bring jobs to an area that has often been overlooked and underinvested."

The park is brokered by Cushman-Wakefield and is being built by Doster Construction of Birmingham.

"Doster is one of Alabama's top construction companies, and has been a super professional partner," said Turnham. "They have a superior design-build team and move quickly and nimbly to meet client needs."

Doster senior project manager Erik Oxford noted that tilt-up construction requires significant organization and collaboration on the building site.

"The chronological steps that need to be taken for a tilt-up project are site evaluation, engineering, footings and floor slabs, forming tilt-up panels, steel placement, embeds and inserts, concrete placement, panel erection and panel finishing."

Completed construction includes all under slab utilities and interior footings, but much work remains.

"Currently, we are working on the site installing drainage ditches, domestic water line, fire water line and installing the Industrial Park Drive main roadway," said Oxford. "We are pouring our continuous footings in preparation to start pouring the slab."

Tasks yet to be carried out include forming and pouring the tilt wall, erecting the tilt wall, erecting the structural steel and receiving and installing the TPO roof.

Oxford said site work is a lengthy process, because of the size of the property.

"Concrete will be time-consuming as well, as we are pouring the slab that is 168,480 square feet, and then the tilt walls. The total volume of concrete will be approximately 5,200 cubic yards."

One of the big advantages for crews has been working on an existing sod farm.

"The site was relatively flat. No clearing was involved. We were able to strip the topsoil and go to work."

A total of 24,707 cu. yds. of fill material will be moved during construction, along with 24,215 cu. yds. of topsoil.

There has been no roadwork to date; however, crews will install a site road, as well as a southbound right-hand turn lane on HWY 186 into the park.

Major milestones for the project will include the final slab pour, erection of tilt walls, erection of structural steel and completion of the roof.

Equipment on the job includes excavators, bulldozers, rock trucks, a 250-ton crawler crane, manlifts and all-terrain forklifts. Main materials include concrete, steel, roof insulation and TPO roof.

"It's truly an honor to be associated with a project that has the potential to provide such an economic impact to the Macon County community," said Oxford.

Turnham added, "This project is a dream and case study of how public and private collaboration make new economic reality. As Governor Kay Ivey said at the June groundbreaking ceremony, this is good for Alabama." CEG