MONTGOMERY— Workers at a manufacturer in Scottsboro are learning valuable new job skills with the help of a $24,650 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.
The grant is helping Cherokee Tool train six employees in methods to increase efficiency by streamlining production and reducing waste.
“When employees learn new skills and techniques, their company gets a boost, their job security and career advancement opportunities improve and our state’s economy is strengthened,” Bentley said.
The training will help Cherokee Tool attain certification from the International Organization for Standardization. Company officials say ISO certification will open opportunities for new business because many potential clients now require the certification to bid on contracts. The company is contributing $25,117 toward the training.
In business since 2011, Cherokee Tool designs and manufactures machine parts and tools for the railroad, medical and other industries.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Labor. ADECA manages an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Dale Maxwell, president of Cherokee Tool, that he had approved the grant.
Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers