Birmingham-based startup Smith & Co. will open a $2.56 million, 7,500-square-foot manufacturing facility in Birmingham’s Lakeview District to make parts for the defense, aerospace and automotive industries.
Hiring has already started, and the company plans 54 positions over the next three years. The average wage for workers will be more than $68,000. The new facility is located on Fourth Avenue South.
The facility will have 3-D metal printing capabilities, as well as carbon fiber and nylon. Founder and CEO Robert Smith previously co-owned a similar company in Tuscaloosa, which he and his family sold after 30 years in business.
Smith said Birmingham is the perfect place for the venture.
“There is no comparison – the restaurants, events, proximity to other cities and the airport, cost of living,” Smith said. “Being in Birmingham will make it easier to attract talent, especially high-level engineers.”
The Birmingham Industrial Development Board last month agreed to abate noneducational ad valorem and sales and use taxes for 10 years for the project.
“We are excited to see Smith & Co. invest in Birmingham to bring more and better jobs to the area,” said Ron Kitchens, CEO of The Birmingham Business Alliance. “We’ll continue to work with the company to leverage their capabilities and talent in attracting and retaining more companies to the region.”
Smith & Co. worked with Andy Jocham with the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, Alex Patrick with The Alliance, and Tim Segars and Bo Lineberry at Balch & Bingham on this project.
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