Hungry for a new job? Take the Greenbrier exit

Southwest Limestone County is proving to be one of the most desirable locations for future business and job growth in North Alabama.

Developer Bill Ming of Ming Enterprises said last week that several new projects are under way in the I-565 Business Park at Greenbrier Exit 3, off Interstate 565.

"Sales activity has been good over the last year, with a lot of interest in this area due to its centralized location,'' Ming said.

Since 2000, he said, more than $100 million has been invested in land, buildings and equipment at this corridor, with more than 1,500 jobs created.

According to Ming, the latest projects include:

Makino, a manufacturer and designer of metal cutting machining centers, based in Tokyo, is moving into a 6,000-square-foot building nearing completion. The facility will support 10 employees providing training and new-product and technology demonstrations.

Schwan's Home Service, a business unit of Schwan Food Co., has purchased three acres for a sales and distribution center. Schwan, based in Marshall, Minn., is a multibillion-dollar business that makes and markets frozen foods through home delivery, retail grocery and foodservice channels. A 7,000-square-foot facility is planned that would support 15 employees who deliver Schwan's products within a 90-mile radius.

Flex 1, an 18,000-square-foot speculative building, was recently completed to meet the need for flex office/warehouse space. The facility serves businesses in the technology, engineering, office, service and distribution sectors.

California Investment Group has acquired seven acres for development.

I-565 Business Centre, a two-story, 62,500-square-foot office building suitable for one or more tenants, is in its final stages of design. Office uses will range from engineering, technology, medical, services to a call center.

"Our new projects complement existing projects developed over the last few years, including Target's regional distribution center, Pratt & Whitney, Clear Channel Broadcasting, Duracoat, Cintas, Southeastern Truck Lines and Subway,'' Ming said.

"We are actively seeking a hotel developer and national chain restaurant to serve this expanding business and residential corridor.''