The Calhoun County Economic Development Council announced Carlson Engineered Composites USA Inc., a Canadian firm that manufactures fiberglass components, plans to expand its operations to Anniston.
The project represents a capital investment of $3 million and will create 75 new jobs in Calhoun County.
The company will be locating in an existing 67,000-square-foot building on Electronics Drive, which will be purchased by the Calhoun County Economic Development Council and leased to Carlson. Operations should begin in the first quarter of this year, according to Don Hopper, executive director of the council.
Carlson Engineered Composites USA is a subsidiary of the Carlson Group, and has a similar production facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota, that manufactures fiberglass composites for original equipment manufacturers in the transportation, agricultural, automotive, recreational, and food processing industries. One of the company’s largest automotive customers is New Flyer Industries, which also has a facility in Anniston and announced a $13 million expansion last year.
The Carlson Engineering announcement was the result of months of recruiting and negotiation on the part of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. “We’re so excited to have Carlson here,” said Larry Deason, the council’s chairman. “This is an industry we highly recruited from Winnipeg. They have a great relationship with New Flyer, and we are anticipating even more jobs to come as they increase their market share in the Southeast.”
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said Calhoun County is a good fit for Carlson, which can pursue new business in the region’s thriving automotive manufacturing sector.
“Alabama is committed to helping the advanced manufacturing sector thrive, and we’re seeing manufacturers add jobs through expansions and new facilities across the state,” Secretary Canfield said. “This project from Carlson is another example of that, and it will deliver substantial benefits to Calhoun County. By bringing in new capital investment and new jobs, the project creates opportunity for county residents.”
The Carlson Group is composed of four companies: Carlson Commercial & Industrial Services Ltd., Carlson Engineered Composites Inc., Carlson Engineered Composites USA Inc., and Carlson Truck Outfitters. Carlson has been serving different industries from its headquarters in Winnipeg since its inception in 1939.