James Hardie sets up in Alabama with a new plant

The Irish-based industrial building materials company has confirmed project to build an advanced fiber-cement building products manufacturing plant in Prattville.

The plant is to be Located between U.S. Highway 82 and Autauga County Road 4, on a 103-site in Prattville’s South Industrial Park which is an AdvantageSite-certified park.

James Hardie CEO Louis Gries said: “Prattville quickly became the preferred community for Hardie’s next plant due to its skilled workforce, proximity to critical resources and access to key markets.

“We were impressed by the overall engagement and ease in which we were able to get things done, which was made possible by the close partnership between James Hardie and the State of Alabama, Autauga County and the City of Prattville, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

When completed, the plant would annually produce up to 600mmstf of siding and trim using James Hardie’s colorPlus technology.

Besides, as part of the project, an access road and a bridge spanning a dual rail line would be created. A secondary road and a rail spur are also to be added.

Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey commented “I am very excited that James Hardie has selected Alabama as the home for a major U.S. production facility and more than 200 well-paying jobs.”

Construction work could start this fall for an opening in late 2018.

James Hardie’s plant is worth $220M.