MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $500,000 grant to upgrade a manufacturing plant in the city of Fayette and preserve 186 jobs.
The Community Development Block Grant awarded to the city of Fayette will provide infrastructure needed for the expansion of Showa Best Glove Inc. The company manufactures gloves made of latex and similar materials for use in the medical, industrial, fishing and food industries.
“Showa Best Glove has been a contributor to the Alabama economy for almost 50 years and has been a good friend and neighbor in Fayette,” Gov. Ivey said. “This expansion will help this Alabama plant modernize and begin production of new innovations in the disposable glove industry.”
CDBG funds will be used to provide improved water, sewer and drainage services for the new 43,000-square-foot, six-story manufacturing facility. Showa Best Glove is investing $8 million in the expansion.
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.
“Gov. Ivey is well aware that Showa Best Glove has a proven track record in Alabama and is important to the economy of Fayette County,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with the governor and the city of Fayette in supporting this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Fayette Mayor Ray Nelson that the grant had been approved. The city of Fayette has pledged $100,000 for the infrastructure 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