A building in Hamlet that has been empty for eight years will receive new life.
In 2004, the company ISM Train left the Hylan Avenue and 35 jobs in the process.
Now FerroFab, Inc. has announced plans to take over the building and bring in a metal work and welding industrial operation. The new plant is expected to create 54 jobs over the next three years.
FerroFab, Inc., owned by Corona Machinery Corp., an international producer of specialized fabricated metal components, has agreed to purchase the building and invest more than $500,000 in the facility over the next 3 years.
“A trained workforce is critical to companies today and this is another example of a company locating in Richmond County that will be able to utilize the training facilities at Richmond Community College,” said Richmond County Board of Commissioner’s Chairman Kenneth Robinette. “RCC is an integral and critical piece of the county’s economic development puzzle and they should be commended for the service they provide.”
Corona Machinery Corp. has been working on this project for a number of years and evaluated various solution as well as possible sites in the Carolinas. According to President of Richmond Community College Dale McInnis, the college is working on a partnership with FerroFab, Inc. which could lead to training programs for employees.
“The City of Hamlet is happy that FerroFab has chosen the Hamlet location for its operations,” said Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart. “Their investment in our community will put people to work as well as place an existing industrial building back into operation.”
County Commissioner John Garner owns and operates Convenience Corner in Hamlet. He said he is thrilled about the announcement.
“That building has been empty for a number of years,” he said. “I have spoken to people who ride by there and wonder what will happen. It’s a really great announcement; a breath of fresh air. This will boost people’s feelings about the economy. It’s a pretty good sign of money getting put back into the economy.”
According to Garner, this announcement shows that businesses looking to bring industry to Richmond County see potential in a stable economy. Garner said he has spoken to former employees of ISM Train, and said they were happy to hear that a new business is taking over the building.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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