Transaction to benefit locals
Published 9:38 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A transaction between the city of Troy and Baker Metals for a portion of the Industrial Park will not produce many extra jobs, but city officials said residents will still reap benefits locally.
The Troy City Council approved Tuesday night to sell a 3-acre portion of the Industrial Park on Henderson Highway to the local business for $60,000, and the deal was closed Wednesday.
President of Baker Metals Jason Norton said the expansion, which will begin Monday, will add just two or three extra jobs by November or December, once the expansion is complete.
But, it is possible, he said, that number could be higher in the long run.
Still, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said this expansion is good news for all local residents.
“It’s still an expansion, and the things they sell generate either sales or use taxes,” Norton said. “We’re happy to see someone that employees 10 people grow, and we’re happy to have someone with 200 people grow.”
Through local sales taxes, important programs like roads and education receive funding.
Norton said currently, the metal roofing business located on Highway 231 has five employees.
And despite economic hardships, Norton said their business hasn’t been hit too hard.
“Our business is basically made of the residential market, and people are tired of paying for shingles,” Norton said.
“Instead of investing in the stock market, they are investing back into the house.”
Norton said this expansion will enable the business, which has been located in Troy since 2004, to serve residents well.
“This will create more jobs, create a little more revenue for the city and property taxes,” Norton said. “Already have been in the city in 2004 and provided five new jobs and employees with health insurance. We look forward to bringing more good, honest business here to work with the people and serve them by providing a good product in a cost effective manner.”