By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
The new James Hardie Plant has had its’ opening delayed for several months now.
Originally slated to have the doors opened in October of 2020, the plant changed course and hoped to be operational by February 2021.
That will also not be the case.
At the Tuesday city council meeting Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie stated that officials are hopeful that the plant will be open and operational by “late March” – five months later than originally scheduled.
“Coronavirus concerns are what kept the James Hardie Plant from opening back in October, and those same concerns are keeping it closed today,” Gillespie said. “I had chance to tour the plant this past week, and we’re very excited about the opportunities that it will bring to our city.”
The $220 million dollar building materials plant promises to bring more than 200 jobs to the area – and Gillespie says they are still hiring.
“If there’s anyone that you know of that might be compatible for a job at James Hardie, ask them to apply at AIDT. They are still looking for some folks with special training,” Gillespie said.
The James Hardie Plant has already reached out a helping hand to the Prattville community since it has been here, donating over 6000 sq ft of performance fiber cement siding for the Fire Station 4 and Police Annex project back in September 2020.
“James Hardie was thrilled to support the Prattville Fire Department and Police Department with a donation of James Hardie siding with ColorPlus Technology to erect the new fire station and police annex, which is sure to be a pillar of confidence and safety for the local community. It is our pleasure to support first responders and further our commitment to help build safe, sustainable, and thriving local communities where we live and work. We look forward to fortifying our relationship with the City of Prattville and its residents,” Adam Graham, Plant Manager, said in September of 2020.
Mayor Bill Gillespie is eager to work alongside the plant that will certainly being even more economic development to an already thriving area.
“James Hardie has already done a lot for our community, and we’re thankful to have them as partners of Prattville. They have already proven that they have a strong commitment to this community,” Gillespie said.
