New 1,100-acre industrial park coming to North Jefferson County

This week, the Jefferson County Economic & Industrial Development Authority (JCEIDA) announced it is developing a new 1,100-acre industrial park located in unincorporated North Jefferson County  

JeffMet North near Gardendale and Morris

Called JeffMet North Industrial Park, the property is located off Interstate 65 at Exit 275 near the Gardendale/Morris area. Modeled after JeffMet McCalla in western Jefferson County, the industrial park is designed to create approximately 4,700 new jobs.  

“JeffMet McCalla has been very successful, if you look at the developable acreage, we have produced 6.5 jobs per acre on that property. If you use that same scale at the North Jefferson property, we have the potential to produce 4,700 jobs.”

Othell Phillips, Executive Director, Jefferson County Economic & Industrial Development Authority 

Potential site for auto suppliers

The development authority cited the proposed industrial park’s proximity to three major auto plants in Alabama as a primary reason for the development. They see the JeffMet North industrial park as a potential location for future automotive suppliers.

Here are the plants and their distance from the park they would serve:

• Toyota Mazda Plant in Huntsville — 72 miles 
• Mercedes Plant in Vance — 47 miles 
• Honda Plant in Lincoln — 57 miles 

Win for Birmingham region

Locally, the Birmingham Business Alliance has praised the initiative.

“This is a win for economic development within the Greater Birmingham Region and further expands the list of sites we can provide for new and expanding businesses while also retaining and growing existing companies. It shows the Greater Birmingham Region is a premier location for manufacturing, promising significant economic growth and job opportunities for those in our community.”

Steve Ammons, CEO, Birmingham Business Alliance 

In addition to supporting nearby auto plants, the JCEIDA also expects the park to be an ideal location for additive manufacturing and food production facilities.

What do you think of a new industrial park coming to North Jefferson County possibly bringing 4700+ jobs? Tell us on Instagram by tagging us at @bhamnow!