GOOD HOPE, Ala. – AGCOR Steel will soon begin a $2.3 million expansion at its new facility along Industrial Park Road in the city of Good Hope that will bring additional skilled jobs to the area. The company’s president, Zac Smith, spoke at the Good Hope City Council meeting Monday night prior to the council approving an abatement for the project.
“AGCOR moved into Good Hope last July. We’ve had rapid expansion. We had about 15-17 employees at that time. We are now up to 54 employees and we are looking to do a $2 million expansion adding another 15-17 employees, maybe even up to 20 employees over the next two years,” said Smith. “In doing that, we are asking the City of Good Hope to grant us a tax abatement on new equipment so we can make the proper purchases that we need.”
Smith also thanked the City and the community for the support the company has received since moving to Good Hope last year.
AGCOR’s total investment for the expansion is $2.3 million, and although it does include more square footage, the majority will be for new machinery and equipment. The approved tax abatement will extend over the next 10 years but does not include educational and property taxes.
Councilwoman Susan Eller explained, “This is not us giving him something. This is something that is a future payment, so this will not come out of anybody’s pocket.”
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope added, “Education and property tax cannot be abated, so anything that he does to that property will be more money that pours into the coffers of the county school system, and that’s a good thing.”
The estimated amount of the City of Good Hope’s abatement over the 10-year period is approximately $25,000.
As for a time frame, Smith said, “We will actually start this expansion this month. The buildings probably won’t get started until next year, but all the new equipment will be purchased this year.”
In other business, the council passed resolutions certifying that Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Councilman Place 1 Terry Shabel, Councilwoman Place 3 Susan Eller, Councilman Place 4 Greg Brown and Councilman Place 5 Taft Dillashaw were all elected without opposition since no one qualified to run against them in the Aug. 25, 2020 Municipal Election. The only race on the ballot in Good Hope will be for Place 2. Incumbent Maxie Jones will face challenger Eric Phillips.
The annual Good Hope Back-to-School Bash is set for Thursday, Aug. 6. This year’s will be a drive-thru style event. The council will grill hamburgers and hotdogs for to-go meals with chips, drinks and desserts. The first 200 students will receive T-shirts but must be present to receive them. The City will also be giving kids Good Hope Raider face masks to wear. The event will be at Good Hope City Hall from 6 p.m. until supplies run out.
Volunteers will also be on hand to help people complete the 2020 Census. Good Hope is close to surpassing its response percentage from 2010 and the City hopes those who need help will come by and be counted.
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