Despite America’s disheartening economic situation, Opelika’s job market continues to be promising for east Alabama.
Mando America Corporation, an automotive parts manufacturer that has its North American headquarters in Opelika, has recently announced it will make a $25 million investment in a new building.
Its location will be across from its current site in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, totaling 400,000 square feet, which is 75,000 square feet larger than its original facility.
The expansion will make Opelika one of the city’s largest employers by adding 200 new jobs, bringing Mando America’s total employment to over 600.
The Korea-based company produces brake and steering systems for companies such as Hyundai of Montgomery and will provide parts for Kia’s new plant in West Point, Ga.
In June 2004, Mando completed its first facility in Opelika, creating 150 new jobs for the city.
One month later, the company announced it would transfer its headquarters from Detroit to Opelika. The transfer will provide 175 more jobs.
September 2007, the growth continued with the addition of 77 more jobs to its Opelika headquarters.
Construction of the new site will begin as soon as possible, because the project’s completion goal is early 2009, and the existing building will be used mainly for manufacturing.
The new building will be used as a warehouse facility for storage, as well as accommodation for corporate offices.
Mayor of Opelika, Gary Fuller, is thrilled with Opelika’s current economy. Fuller said Mando’s entire investment in Opelika totals $111 million.
“We have had a tremendous four years,” Fuller said. “When you get jobs in a community, that’s what spurs residential development, and that’s what brings on retail development. It all starts with good jobs.”
The city of Opelika only has 3.1 percent unemployment, so it hasn’t been affected by the nation’s declining economy, like most other cities across the nation.
“Everybody in Opelika that wants a job gets a job,” Fuller said.
Not only has Mando’s expansion in Opelika brought numerous job opportunities, it has also provided additional funding for Opelika city schools. Gov. Bob Riley was quite pleased with Opelika’s progress, congratulating the city in its success earlier this month.
Mayor Fuller said Alabama is much better off economically than it was six years ago, mainly because of what Riley and Neal Wade, the director of the Alabama development office, have done for the state.
“They have been so aggressive in pursuing these world class companies,” Fuller said.
The Opelika area is an example to the state of Alabama because of its economic expansion over the years.
“It shows what a great work force Alabama has, especially in the Auburn/Opelika area,” said Todd Stacey, press secretary for the Alabama governor’s office. “Not just Mando, but many companies have not only succeeded, but expanded.”
One of those companies, whose grand opening Opelika is greatly anticipating, is Gambro, a Swedish company that manufactures renal filters for kidney dialysis. Mayor Fuller said Gambro was the largest capital investment in the history of Lee County at $160 million.
The average wage of Gambro employees is expected to be $50,000 a year.
Lori Huguley, project manager for the city of Opelika economic development, said she believes these expansions will definitely have a positive effect on the community.
“I feel like the new jobs are going to be a boost to our economy, although we’re kind of going against the norm here in east Alabama,” Huguley said. “We are very fortunate to have low unemployment, but there are still jobs available for people that want to go into higher technology jobs.”
Huguley said jobs at Mando are still available, and anyone interested should come to the employment service office on Fredrick Road.
