Jackson County, Ala. – Helix Electric celebrated a milestone Tuesday as it broke ground on a new manufacturing facility at the Jackson County Industrial Park. The plant, slated to cover roughly one million square feet, is expected to generate more than 160 jobs during its initial phase, with additional positions to follow as construction progresses.
Local workforce pipeline
The industrial park has long been home to the Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy, a technical school that prepares students for skilled trades. Helix Electric’s decision to locate the factory directly across the street from the academy creates a clear pipeline for graduates. “One of our dreams was to see kids leaving the school and coming right here across the street to go to work,” said Nathan Lee, president of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority. “We hope that happens right here with Helix located next door.”
Phased construction and long‑term growth
The project will be built in three phases. The first phase, projected to take just under two years, will deliver the initial workforce of more than 160 employees. Subsequent phases will expand the facility’s capacity, adding hundreds of additional positions as demand grows.
Community optimism
Local leaders and students alike expressed enthusiasm for the development. Economic‑development officials noted that the investment is likely to boost local spending and attract ancillary businesses to the area. “The Kevin Dukes Center is already teaching students the skills needed to work in the factory,” Lee added, emphasizing the synergy between education and industry.
Julie Robertson, a senior at the Kevin Dukes Center, echoed that sentiment: “This is really big for not just me but also my electrical classmates. Some want to be residential, some want to be commercial and, like me, I want to be industrial. Having this industrial company just right next to us is amazing.”
Economic impact
By bringing a sizable manufacturing operation to Jackson County, Helix Electric is expected to increase the tax base, support local suppliers, and provide stable, well‑paid jobs for residents. The project aligns with the county’s broader strategy to attract high‑skill employers and strengthen the regional economy.
Construction crews are expected to begin work immediately, with the first phase slated for completion in under two years. As the facility expands, the partnership between Helix Electric and the Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy will serve as a model for how education and industry can collaborate to create sustainable economic growth in rural Alabama.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
