Three Separate Companies Plan Major Investments in Morgan County

Investments could exceed $139 million and would create 265 new jobs.

DECATUR – Three major companies took the first step in securing their plans to invest millions of dollars that will create and retain jobs in Morgan County. Wolverine Tube, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Dynetics, Inc. each respectively presented their proposed investment plans to the Decatur Industrial Development Board today seeking the approval of non-educational tax abatements to support their growth.

Wolverine Tube’s proposed project involves the construction and operation of an integrated aluminum manufacturing facility, combining aluminum extrusion operations, friction stir welding, and heavy machining at their existing facilities in Morgan County. The project is expected to begin August 2017 and to involve capital investment of approximately $16,009,000. Wolverine expects to create approximately 250 jobs within three years with an estimated annual payroll of $10,270,000 before benefits.

ULA’s proposed project requires capital investment for new technology and infrastructure for the production of the new Vulcan thrust structure assembly, which is ULA’s next generation launch system. Beginning in August 2017, the project’s total capital investment is approximately $115,600,000. ULA’s project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2020 and will help secure the employment of approximately 620 existing employees with an estimated annual payroll of around $43,000,000 before benefits.

Dynetics presented their plans to construct the second building of an aerospace structures complex adjacent to ULA, to support development and structural testing of launch vehicles and large aerospace structures. The capital investment for the project is estimated to be $7,395,500, and is expected to create 15 new jobs within one year with an estimated annual payroll of $1,012,500 before benefits.

Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, welcomed today’s news saying, “Morgan County continues to attract new investment and jobs from both the aerospace and metals sector. We appreciate each company looking to spend their generous capital dollars in Morgan County to create and retain jobs in our community.”

Mayor Tab Bowling of the City of Decatur was also “pleased to have world-class companies continue to invest in Decatur, Morgan County. These new investments and job creation continue to expand our aerospace footprint and renew old friendships.”

Chairman of the Morgan County Commission, Ray Long added “We are very proud to see these companies investing in Morgan County. We have a great workforce for these companies to choose from. We are here to support them along the way.”