Global Resources International (GRI), a company that makes medical and industrial products, is investing $9.5 million to open a new manufacturing plant in Dothan that will employ 70 workers.
GRI has long had a presence in Houston County. Eastern Technologies Inc. (ETI), a GRI subsidiary that warehouses and facilitates distribution of GRI products, is based in Ashford, a small town just east of Dothan.
The new manufacturing company in the Circle City will be called Advanced Product Solutions, and operations will be overseen by the nearby ETI.
“We welcome the decision by Global Resources International to base its innovative new manufacturing center for PPE and other products in Southeast Alabama,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement Monday.
“We are looking forward to this enhancement of our U.S.-based manufacturing to the greater Dothan area, and we’re looking forward to the future growth,” said Mark Fellows, vice president of ETI and Advanced Product Solutions.
According to information from the governor’s office, the new plant will make “engineered fabrics, personal protective equipment and injection molded medical products.”
GRI is based in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and describes itself on its website as a contract manufacturer that “specializes in the design, development, manufacture, sterilization, and distribution of products for the healthcare and industrial markets.”
The Dothan Eagle says some of the products made by the company — though not necessarily at the new Dothan facility –include “surgical gowns, isolation gowns, surgical packs, surgical instrument covers, needle counters, face maks” and many others.
Besides the United States, GRI manufacturing takes place in several countries including China, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic.
“Our volume of sales for many PPE products expanded greatly since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus,” Fellows told the Dothan Eagle in June.
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver released a joint statement about the news of the new plant coming to their area.
“We are extremely appreciative of the GRI family’s investment in our area. This world-class company will strengthen the United States’ position on manufacturing essential personal protection and medical equipment. We appreciate the tremendous support from Governor Kay Ivey and her state team and our local team in supporting this exciting project,” the two men commented.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
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