(The following article appeared in the November 22, 2006 edition of The Gadsden Times and is reproduced with permission.)

New industry coming

A new automotive-related industrial announcement is expected to be made soon.

Mike McCain, executive director of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, told the Gadsden City Council last week that George Wimbish, owner of Wimbish Enterprises, will announce his firm will be locating in the former Progressive Plastics building in the Gadsden Commerce Center.

He said Wimbish has bought the building, which has been vacant for the past two years, and will open a plastics injection auto parts plant. McCain said Wimbish is from Florida and Wimbish's wife is a Gadsden native.

McCain said the plant will begin operations in 30 days.

He said the necessary equipment has arrived and repairs have been made to the building, including the replacement of the roof.

The firm eventually will employ about 20 people with wages averaging $15 an hour and wages and fringe benefits totaling $20 an hour, McCain said.

He said the firm will produce injection molding auto parts, such as tail light lenses and mirror housings.