Kronospan, a leading manufacturer of wood-based panel products and related value-added products, plans to invest $46.5 million to expand its North American headquarters in Oxford.
The company has been in Oxford since 2008 and currently employs more than 500 Alabama residents.
In a press release from City of Oxford spokeswoman Lori Denton, the Oxford City Council approved tax abatements for Kronospan this week to invest $46.5 million to develop facilities.
This investment will enhance their production capabilities and building modifications, and provide a wastewater treatment plant. In addition, 10 new jobs will be created. This brings the company’s total investment in Oxford to over $1 billion since breaking ground in 2005.
Calhoun County Economic Development director Don Hopper said in a statement, “I believe any time a company chooses to expand in Calhoun County, that is the greatest compliment we can receive. We are proud that Kronospan continues to grow here in Oxford.”
Kronospan, which is a start to finish vertically integrated wood products manufacturing site that produces laminate flooring. Its Oxford facility houses all necessary processes to produce medium and high-density fiberboard, particleboard, thermally fused laminate products, laminate flooring and resins. The company’s products are sold worldwide including in major North American home improvement retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot.
John Connell, Kronospan’s director of Human Resources, stated in a release announcing the new investment, “We’ve successfully started four, highly automated plants at the Oxford site and we need intelligent, ambitious people to operate them. We think we can find those people right here in Calhoun County and the surrounding communities.”
In addition to creating more than 500 jobs at the Oxford headquarters. Kronospan has maintained and grown its level of employment since opening the doors to this facility in 2008 including through the recession of 2008-2009 and the pandemic.
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft stated, “Kronospan continues to invest in our city and our students. You don’t have to leave this area to get a great job. They understand how to grow their company and we always want to be part of that growth.”
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