Video: West Alabama Continues Economic Growth

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LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) -On Friday a big announcement was made in Lamar County, Alabama.

Hyster-Ster Yale Group is expanding in Sulligent.

Over the past year, 12 million dollars has been invested in new machine technology and a new transmission assembly line at the facility.

Local leaders are also talking about ways to bring more jobs to the west Alabama county.

Lamar County has a five point eight unemployment rate, but with the expansion of Hyster-Yale that could soon change.
Hyster-Yale Group has been a corner stone in Sulligent, Alabama for the past 46 years.

“That’s a statement in itself right there, that shows not only the management that this company has, but also the kind of employees this company has,” Lamar County probate judge Johnny Rogers said.

The company currently employees 500 workers at its facility.

Even though Lamar County is in a rural area, the economic opportunities continue to grow.

“It’s tougher you know, these guys have been here for 46 years and the environment has not gotten easier over time to recruit good industries, so the biggest thing that we need to do is make sure that we’re taking care of those that are already here,” Alabama State Representative, District 16 Kyle South said.

And taking care of those hose businesses is something Lamar County does well.

In recent years, the county has seen its share of job expansions and Lamar County Judge Johnny Rogers said he knows why.

“Number one, is it’s a small crime rate, the low crime rate, number two is the ethic, the work ethic that our people have here in Lamar County, and number three is we’re a Christian based people and guys, this day and time that means a lot,” Rogers said.

Economic developer David Thornell said one of the county’s biggest draws is the fact that it’s in a small rural area, surrounded by bigger cities.

“The work force of course is supported by the fact that we’re close to Mississippi so we can find the people that people are looking for and that’s just proven by the success if companies like Hyster-Yale,” Thornell said.
Hyster-Yale is a world leader in the lift truck industry. The plant makes component parts for lift trucks.

The company hasn’t released the cost of the expansion or the number of people that could be hired as a result.