The Minth Corporation: a Major Economic Boost to Gadsden

Guest Opinion by Representative Mark Gidley

Living on property that was homesteaded by my great grandfather almost one hundred and seventy years ago, my roots go deep in Etowah county. My father was an employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 32 years, and I also had family members and people I knew well that made their livelihood at the Steele Plant in Alabama City. These two institutions provided for hundreds of families for almost a century. The closure of these plants left a major gap in the economy of not only Etowah County, but the surrounding area.

Gadsden has long since needed a way to replace this loss in the industrial community. Last weeks announcement by the Minth Corporation that they would be locating their largest plant in Alabama City, on the previous property of the Steele Plant, was one of the most exciting announcements concerning economic growth that our area has received in quite some time.

The Minth Corporation has numerous plants located around the globe. One current plant in the US is located in Michigan. However, the Gadsden Plant, once it reaches full capacity, is slated to be the largest in the company. It is estimated that the plant will eventually employ more than 1300 employees. This will be a major economic boost to the entire area.

Among the featured speakers on Friday’s announcement, was Senator Katie Britt. There were several points that Senator Britt commended as being important factors to the location of the plant in Gadsden. One was the People. I would call it southern hospitality. The company’s leadership were extremely impressed with the reception they received as they made their way through the area, and the excitement and welcoming atmosphere that they experienced.

The second was preparation. A leading factor in the area of preparation was the Advanced Manufacturing Center located on the campus of Gadsden State Community College. Touring the facility there created the impression that Gadsden State would be a welcomed partner in training and providing the needed employee structure to fill the strategic  positions in the company. As a member of the Alabama Legislature, I was honored to be part of helping secure the needed funding to complete the Advanced Manufacturing Center, that will definitely  serve our community for decades to come.

Finally, thanks to the leadership of Mayor Craig Ford, David Hooks and the IDA Board, and so many others that worked to build the relationship with the Minth Corporation, and help bring this monumental economic boost to Gadsden Alabama.

The loss of the Steele Plant some 25 years ago, and Goodyear following soon after, took a toll on the economy of Gadsden. The choice of the Minth Corporation to locate here will definitely be an economic boost that Gadsden has needed. Industrial development is the lifeblood of any community, and I trust we will continue to see many more opportunities locate in our area.

State Representative Mark Gidley (R-Glencoe) represents Alabama House District 29, which includes portions of Etowah County and Calhoun County. He was first elected in 2022.

In the Legislature, Gidley has backed measures focused on education, faith, and family policy. He serves on several House committees, including Education Policy, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Commerce and Small Business. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Etowah County and have two daughters and four grandchildren.

For more information on Mark Gidley, visit https://markgidley.org or follow him on social media.

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