Governor Bentley Announces New Manufacturing Facility to Invest $24 Million, Create 170 Jobs in Athens

Press Release

Governor Robert Bentley on Friday announced that Shape Corp. plans to build a $24 million manufacturing plant in Limestone County. This new facility will create 170 jobs.

"I am honored that Shape Corp. has selected Alabama as the home of their new manufacturing facility, and I am proud of our state's resources that helped secure this exciting new company," Governor Robert Bentley said. "Alabama's Robotics Technology Park and AIDT's workforce training services were two key factors in securing Shape's commitment to a long term partnership with our state. Alabama's existing workforce, workforce training capabilities and pro-business infrastructure are all critical components in my endeavor to bring new jobs to Alabama."

For 40 years Shape Corp. has been manufacturing in the specialized field of injection molding and roll-forming operations. The company has facilities around the globe, and the Alabama facility will be an integral part of the company's global operations. Shape Corp. has facilities in the U.S., Mexico, France, Czech Republic, China and Japan.

Shape Corp. serves a myriad of industries including automotive, office furniture, medical, agricultural and more. With the $24 million investment and creation of 170 jobs, Shape Corp. will provide design, engineering, testing and manufacturing of metal and plastic solutions.

"The Shape project will bring 170 jobs to our community," Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. "This $24-million investment by Shape Corp shows that Athens continues to be attractive to industries. I appreciate the Athens City Council for its efforts to support job growth in our city."

Shape Corp. plans to begin construction on the new manufacturing facility at Breeding Industrial Park in late October 2015 and be operational by late summer 2016.

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