Kronospan Announces Major Expansion in Oxford, Alabama

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Oxford, AL – The Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) is pleased to announce the expansion of Kronospan in Oxford, AL.  This announcement represents a significant opportunity for the wood-based panel producer that has been operating in Oxford since 2008.  The expansion will consist of four projects:  (a) two laminate flooring and decorative paper impregnation lines; (b) a particleboard and thermally infused laminate line; (c) an expansion of the KronoChem resin plant; and (d) development of a furniture cluster.  Kronospan plans to make a $362 million capital investment in the expansion and also hire an additional 160 persons for its workforce.

“We sincerely appreciate the State of Alabama, acting through the Department of Commerce, the City of Oxford and Calhoun County for supporting our expansion project and making it a reality,” said Tim Pack, Chief Financial Officer of Kronospan.

“I’m honored and pleased to see Kronospan embark on an expansion in Oxford that will create good jobs for the citizens of Calhoun County,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Job creation is my No. 1 priority because it means new opportunities for Alabama residents.”

“Kronospan is making a significant investment to expand its production center in Oxford, and we will work closely with the company to ensure that their project is successful,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We look forward to building on the partnership we have developed with Kronospan since they began operations in Alabama around eight years ago.”

“The City of Oxford is delighted about the expansion of Kronospan and the significant economic impact this will have in our community,” said Steven Waits, Oxford City Council President.  “Kronospan has continued to be a generous corporate citizen for our city, and we are looking forward to their continued presence in Oxford for generations to come.”

Once the expansion is completed, Kronospan will have invested $650 million and will employ more than 270 workers at its Oxford operations.  That will make the company the largest private capital investor in the City of Oxford, said EDC Chairman Larry Deason, “And, it will be one of the largest employers in our area.”

Don Hudson, Calhoun County Commissioner, echoed the excitement from the EDC and the City of Oxford.  “We are so pleased to see such a significant industry in our community continue to invest in Calhoun County and create new jobs.  We are thrilled to witness the future impact this expansion with Kronospan will have in our community.”

Kronospan will utilize the services of the local Alabama Career Center to recruit for the expansion project.  Hiring for the expansions will be undertaken in phases.  A job fair will be conducted at the Career Center located at 1731 Coleman Road in Anniston.  An announcement concerning the date and time of the job fair will be made in the near future.

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About Kronospan

Kronospan is a leading manufacturer of wood-based panel products and related value-added products.  The Company is privately-owned, with more than 40 manufacturing and distribution sites throughout the world.  Kronospan is the top manufacturer globally of MDF, laminate flooring, particleboard and UF resins for wood-based panels; and is the top manufacturer in Europe of OSB.

In 2008, Kronospan started up operations at its Oxford, AL, facility, where it now manufactures MDF, HDF and resins.  Notwithstanding very difficult market conditions in the housing industry, Kronospan has maintained its level of employment at the Oxford facility since start-up.  Upon completion of the expansion project, Kronospan will represent the largest private capital investment in the City of Oxford and Calhoun County and will be one of the largest employers in the area.

In December 2015, Kronospan made another significant investment in the United States when it acquired Clarion Industries in Shippenville, PA.  Clarion Industries produces MDF, HDF and laminate flooring.  The Pennsylvania operations employ 320 persons.

For more information about Kronospan, visit www.kronospan-worldwide.com and for more information about Kronospan’s products, services and business concepts, visit www.kronospan-express.com and www.krono-original.com.

 

Paper Company Expanding in Oxford, Alabama

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June 14, 2016

 

PAPER COMPANY EXPANDING IN OXFORD, ALABAMA

 

Oxford, AL – Gypsum paper producer NGC Industries is investing $26 million to expand its operations in Oxford, a move that could create 14 new jobs over time, the Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced today.

 

The Oxford plant uses discarded cardboard, magazines and trimmings from print shops to produce gypsum board face and back paper.  The expansion will modernize the plant and increase the efficiency of their output, said EDC Chairman Larry Deason.

 

“This year marks NGC’s 60th anniversary as a corporate citizen of Calhoun County,” Deason said. “How fitting that they celebrate and honor the past by investing in their future here. We are proud to partner with them to bring more jobs to the area.”

 

The EDC and the City of Oxford have partnered together to ensure the expansion needs of NGC are met.

 

“We are excited about the opportunity this expansion project brings to the community and the associates at NGC,” said Neal Stephenson, Director of Paper Operations at NGC.  “The support we have received from the county and local governments has been instrumental in the company choosing our location for these capital improvements.”

 

“The City of Oxford is committed to advancing the manufacturing sector in our community and we are more than happy to assist NGC in creating new high-paying jobs in Oxford,” said Steven Waits, Oxford City Council President.  “This project also will further enhance economic development in Oxford.”

 

NGC Industries, LLC, is a subsidiary of National Gypsum Company.