National Alabama seeks new manager

National Alabama Corporation is conducting a search for a plant manager to oversee its operations at the facility being constructed in Barton Riverfront Industrial Park.

Richard Mills, who was to fill the role as plant manager for the company, has resigned his position with the railcar plant.

Company officials say Mills' resignation will not affect the time line for the plant's construction.

National Alabama announced in July that it would build a railcar manufacturing plant at Barton. Officials broke ground at the site in September.

Officials with National Steel Car Limited, of Ontario, Canada, which is the parent company of National Alabama, said they plan to stay on track with the construction of the plant, which is set to be completed by late 2008 or early 2009.

Mills had recently submitted his formal resignation to the company, said Peter Earle, communications and public affairs counsel with National Steel Car.

"It's unfortunate, but these things happen," Earle said. "Richard is a strong engineer and had good experience and was enthusiastic."

Earle said there were apparently some differences in vision between Mills and company officials.

"We're working on very tight deadlines and Mr. (Greg) Aziz (National Steel Car CEO and Chairman) has a very clear vision of what he wants to achieve. He is committed to building this plant with excellence."

Earle said that Aziz, who is the owner of National Alabama, will be involved in the process of selecting a new person to operate the plant in place of Mills, but it is unclear how long that process could take.

"It will be up to Mr. Aziz as we look for the best individual to take up those responsibilities," Earle said. "At this point, it's being thought through. It won't be a long time, but we want to find the right person."

Earle said construction of the Barton plant is going smoothly.

"We have some of the strongest contracting support," he said. "Their plates are full. They're stepping forward, and the project is moving forward on schedule."

Kenda Williams can be reached at 740-5720 or kenda.williams@timesdaily.com.