Work could start in weeks

Officials with National Alabama Corp. say work on the new mile-long plant will begin within a few weeks.

"We plan on construction being completed by the end of 2008, and in production by early 2009,'' said Greg Aziz, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, which is a subsidiary of National Industries Inc., of Hamilton, Ontario.

Aziz announced Wednesday his company's intentions to build a $350 million railcar manufacturing facility on 640 acres at Barton Riverfront Industrial Park.

"That's a very aggressive timetable,'' said Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, who made the announcement with Aziz.

"But one we anticipate making,'' Aziz added.

In fact, some pre-construction site work already has been done.

Once it is in full operation, the plant will employ 1,800 people, Aziz said. The average pay scale will be $15 to $18 per hour.

Stephanie Long, of Hatton, is eager to inquire about the new jobs. The 31-year-old is employed, but said she is interested in a job with National Alabama.

"It's the insurance and pay rate; it's a better opportunity,'' Long said. "It will be good for our area.''

Aziz said a large majority of jobs at the plant will involve welding. The plant will produce 60 to 80 railcars per day, he said.

"There will be a variety of jobs, but the vast majority will have something to do with welding,'' Aziz said. "We'll have computerized robotic welders and the people who maintain those and inspect them will have to have welding knowledge.''

Aziz said the company is working with Alabama Industrial Development Training for job training and screening. He said that already has started.

"AIDT is the top training agency in the U.S., bar none, and through AIDT we're going to train the work force,'' Aziz said.

AIDT spokeswoman Phyllis Wesley said the state's training division has been working with company and state economic development officials to coordinate training with the new company.

She said AIDT will help with pre-employment training and screening applicants with qualifications the company seeks.

"Names of the people who successfully complete (the screening) will be given to the company,'' she said. "Our role is to help people learn about the jobs and then have people ready to work so they'll have a good, qualified people.''

She said job announcements will be through the AIDT's Web site at aidt.edu and at the Shoals Career Center in Sheffield at 500 S. Montgomery Ave.

Dana Beyerle, Montgomery Bureau for the New York TimesDaily Regional Newspapers, contributed to this story.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.