Ninety employees of an Alexander City company will soon learn new job skills to boost their long-term earning potential and help their company remain competitive. A $48,690 economic stimulus grant from Gov. Bob Riley will cover a portion of the training cost.   

The grant to Wellborn Forest Products will enable workers to learn methods that improve production efficiency and decrease waste. Wellborn, which manufactures wood cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms, will contribute $55,200 toward the training cost.

“In today’s economy, maintaining a highly skilled, efficient workforce is a key to business survival,” Riley said.  “I am pleased to help Alabama workers improve their job security by increasing their skills.” 

In requesting the grant, company officials said the training would reduce manufacturing costs and reduce the time workers spend applying finish to the cabinets, increasing Wellborn’s profit margins. The company estimates an 8 percent boost in the long-term wages of workers who complete the training and the creation of 20 new entry-level jobs.

The Alabama Technology Network and American Wood Institute will provide the training over a 12-month period.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Riley notified Gary Taylor, president and chief operating officer of the company, that the grant had been approved.           

            --30--

Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers