The Jefferson County Commission Thursday approved a slate of incentives up to $320,000 for a mammoth expansion project by American Cast Iron Pipe Co.
ACIPCO is planning an investment of more than $793 million and is expected to employ 80 new full-time workers.
The employees would have an average annual wage of $114,400, according to public documents.
The county incentives will take the form of a jobs grant payable in three installments and contingent on new employee wages.
In a brief official summary, the “American for Life 2030″ project is described as a “major expansion of the company’s Birmingham-based” factory and corporate headquarters” including:
Replacement of the company’s cupola furnace with four medium frequency coreless induction furnaces.
Construction of a new coating and lining facility.
Construction of a casting machines facility.
Construction of a new employee center and new administrative building. This includes a gym, showers and office space.
Approximately $509 million will go into equipment costs, while $284 million will pay for construction.
According to the commission, the new equipment will also reduce the plant’s emissions by more than 90%.
The county anticipates the project will produce $11.4 million in general fund revenue and about $25 million in education taxes, according to a presentation to the commission earlier this week.
ACIPCO has been in operation in Birmingham since 1905.
Attempts to reach ACIPCO for comment were not immediately successful.
