A discussion that began in Andalusia in late February ended Monday in Daegu , Korea when In Tae Heo, president of SaeHaeSung, signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Andalusia to expand his local plant.
The agreement represents a $2 million investment by SaeHaeSung.
Mayor Earl Johnson and other city officials were already slated to be in Korea to call on several prospects, including a company that is actively looking for a location in South Alabama. City Clerk John Thompson said the visit to President Heo’s company was added to the agenda so that the memorandum of agreement could be signed.
But Johnson also said that the presence of city officials in Korea “is a gesture of commitment between the parties.”
“The Koreans deeply appreciate our making the effort to come to see them,” Johnson said. “Plus this project could have gone somewhere else. SaeHaeSung has another plant in east Alabama and they could easily move production there if they became unhappy with us. This is highly competitive business.”
The memorandum of understanding calls for a 3,500 square foot expansion of SaeHaeSung’s existing 120,000 square foot facility, adding up to six more stamping machines and 10 to 15 more jobs. At present, SaeHaeSung has between 175 and 200 employees in Andalusia. The addition will be completed this summer, Thompson said.
SaeHaeSung produces automotive parts for Hyundai and Kia.
Johnson thanked President Heo and Industrial Board Chairman Ed Short for working together to create a partnership to benefit Andalusia and SaeHaeSung.
“We have developed a great relationship with President Heo and SaeHaeSung for many years and we deeply appreciate his investment in Andalusia. This project represents our continued effort to diversify and grow Andalusia’s economy.”
Andalusia Star News
By Michele Gerlach
The Covington Historical Society will meet at Springdale at 7 p.m. on Thurs, Feb. 27.
CHS’s 2014 president, John Scherf, will present the program about his great-grandfather, “John G. Scherf and His Legacy.” The program includes a movie, pictures, and artifacts to include history about Alatex, Springdale, and Scherf.
A golf cart will be available to transport those who need help from the parking lot to the house. Guests and prospective members are welcome.
T he stage at the Covington Kiwanis Center was taken over by a storm of super heroes, princesses and a bevy of other strange creatures Tuesday night, all in preparation for Saturday’s Cookies with Characters performances.
Coordinator Kaley Spears said more than 100 “actors” will be getting into costume and practicing their parts this week, prior to Saturday’s opening curtain.
This year, the show, which benefits Meredith’s Miracles, will feature two performances. A “Silly Show” will take place at 1 p.m., while a “Glow Show” will take place at 5 p.m. The shows will be identical, with only a change in lighting.
Spears said both shows will feature a time for autographs and photos with the characters.
Tickets for Cookies with Characters are $5, includes cookies, the show and... READ MORE>
Council must soon decide
The Andalusia City Council will soon be forced to make some big decisions about the local animal shelter, which also provide services for the county and for neighboring municipalities.
Capt. Paul Dean reported that the shelter’s roof is leaking and there are parts of the metal building where rust has created issues.
He estimated that the city could spend approximately $7,500 to seal the building and coat the roof and extend the life span of the current roof for about 10 years.
Alternately, the roof could be replaced for about $12,000, extended its life to 20 to 25 years.
Interim Chief Paul Hudson pointed out that the shelter is inspected by the state annually, and not addressing the items could mean fines in the future.
But the council asked for a little time before making the decision. The adjacent property on Hwy. 84 is being considered for an apartment complex, and council members were in agreement the shelter might need to be moved.
“Probably, we would have an idea we might want to relocate the shelter anyway,” Councilman Ralph Wells said. “If there’s options out here for a new location, surely we ought to investigate.”
“I’d hate to spend on it now, and six months from now, we may be tearing down,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “But, I think... READ MORE>
The person holding a red Andy Bucks ticket numbered 133634 might be luckier than he or she thinks.
The winning ticket, drawn at Monday night’s city council meeting and representing a purchase made in January, would normally net the winner $1,000 in “Andy Bucks” to spend with participating merchants.
However, since last month’s Andy Bucks have not been claimed, this month’s winner could get $2,000 in Andy Bucks.
The winning ticket holder has 30 days to claim the prize. Therefore, the January winner has until 5 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 6, 2014, to claim the winnings. That winning ticket is blue and the winning number was 857655.
If the prize is not claimed, this month’s winner – red ticket no. 133634 – will win $2,000.
By Michele Gerlach