Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced that a Georgia company plans to invest $9.5 million to open a medical manufacturing plant in Dothan that is expected to create 70 jobs.
Flowery Branch, Georgia-based Global Resources International is set to open a new company, Advanced Product Solutions, that will expand the parent company’s capabilities of manufacturing engineered fabrics, personal protective equipment and injection molded medical products in the U.S. according to a press release from Ivey’s office Monday.
Advanced Product Solutions’ new plant in the near future will use injection molding in the manufacturing of non-medical products and production of absorbent underpads for both the human and animal health markets, according to the release.
“We welcome the decision by Global Resources International to base its innovative new manufacturing center for PPE and other products in Southeast Alabama,” Ivey said in a statement. “This is great news for Dothan because it will create good jobs and provide a solid economic boost for the entire area.”
Ashford, Alabama-based Eastern Technologies Inc., a GRI subsidiary, will manage the newly formed Advanced Product Solutions in Houston County. ETI produces protective gear for nuclear power, chemicals and defense workers.
“We are looking forward to this enhancement of our U.S.-based manufacturing to the greater Dothan area, and we’re looking forward to the future growth,” said Mark Fellows, vice president of ETI and Advanced Product Solutions.
GRI also operates plants in the Dominican Republic, China, India and Vietnam.
“The GRI family of companies is a global leader in the development of high-performance protective equipment and technologies to keep workers safe in extreme environments,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, in a statement. “We’re thrilled that this globally focused company has selected Dothan as the home of its newest manufacturing venture and know it will find success there.”
“We are extremely appreciative of the GRI family’s investment in our area. This world-class company will strengthen the United States’ position on manufacturing essential personal protection and medical equipment. We appreciate the tremendous support from Governor Kay Ivey and her state team and our local team in supporting this exciting project,” said Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and Houston County Chairman Mark Culver in a joint statement.
A broad partnership of state and local agencies made the project possible. On the state level, these include Ivey’s office, the Alabama Department of Commerce and AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency.
The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce-Grow Dothan, the Houston County Road and Bridge Department, Dothan’s Industrial Development Board, the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, the Wiregrass Legislative delegation, Southeast Gas, Southeast AlabamaWorks and Dothan Utilities also joined the city of Dothan in the project.
