Economic growth in industrial, commercial, retail entities along with leadership and community development hold promise for St. Clair County in 2012, despite the nation’s weakened economy.

Businesses continue to expand creating new jobs for St. Clair residents.  Recent developments include the Eissman Automotive North America Inc. expansion and the possible expansion of WKW Erbsloeh North America Inc.

“The Eissman expansion is a great example of what can take place when a community provides a healthy business environment to well managed, qualified companies,” Economic Development Council (EDC) Director Don Smith said.  Last week the EDC announced Eissman’s new expansion, making this their second expansion within a year.  The $375 million expansion will create 35 new jobs.  

The EDC sees the development as an opportunity for St. Clair County to play a role in producing quality products. “Eissman Automotive’s focus on craftsmanship is known worldwide,” Smith said.  “At the last German Consulate’s visit he expressed that the dashboards [in the vehicles] should have a signature on it, like that of a masterpiece.”

Smith says possible expansion of WKW is another example of a company that has grown at a faster pace than expected since locating in the community.  The expansion has not yet been officially announced.  The aluminum manufacturer was granted a tax abatement by the Pell City Industrial Development Board in December that is contingent on the company pursuing expansion.  The $6.6 million tax abatement for building expansion and new equipment would create 200 new jobs.

“The EDC focuses on recruiting small to medium sized companies that are leaders in their field because these companies have the most growth potential,” Smith said.  We typically suggest to the local IDB (Industrial Development Board) that they provide enough land for companies to triple in size.  With WKW Erbsloeth, I believe we should have doubled that suggestion.”

With the opening of the new St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital opening back in December and the new Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veteran’s Home currently scheduled to open in June, Smith says the healthcare industry will be a catalyst for development of the EDC park which houses Jefferson State Community College, the hospital and the new veteran’s home.

“Moving forward in the healthcare industry provides tremendous growth potential, especially with our close proximity to UAB. We are in position to benefit from that,” Smith said.  “Growth in healthcare continues to diversify our local economy by creating good jobs and quality healthcare for citizens.”

The EDC is working on numerous projects and prospects in a majority of St. Clair municipalities with plans to continue building relationships commercial, retail and industrial contracts and will continue working to identify new sites for development in 2012.

In 2011 the EDC had the most announcements of new development since 2007, a strong year for economic development in St. Clair County.

Smith said St. Clair County continues to grow economically because of the unique position the county is in.  “St. Clair County has two things hard to replicate in other areas and that is great elected officials and a commitment to corporate.  Our elected and appointed officials understand how competitive it has become and what it takes to continue to be successful,” Smith said.  “Sometimes this involves passing a resolution, and sometimes this requires supporting a program that might not show direct results for 3-4 years.  When it comes to developing a community, every small piece defines your success.”