MONTGOMERY— A $250,000 grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey will help Red Bay’s tailgating and recreational vehicle reputation go up a notch.
The Community Development Block Grant will assist a California awning company in opening a location in the Franklin County city, resulting in 25 new jobs. The new company, Girard Systems, is the sole awning supplier for Tiffin Motor Homes, also located in Red Bay.
“This is the perfect partnership and means new jobs in northwest Alabama,” Ivey said. “I commend local elected officials and business leaders for working together to make this venture happen.”
The California-based Girard Systems will build a 34,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on a 14.5-acre site in the West Franklin Regional Industrial Park. Girard also plans to construct an RV campground for customers who desire to stay overnight while their RVs are being serviced.
Girard’s Red Bay plant as well as one in Goshen, Ind. will enable the company to meet customer demand in the eastern United States.
CDBG funds will be used to supply sewer services, upgrade roads and improve drainage at the industrial park to accommodate Girard Systems and help attract future tenants.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Governor Ivey is committed to bringing new jobs to Alabama and helping the state grow and prosper,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Governor Ivey in assisting with the infrastructure needed for this project.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley