Based in Lexington, Ky., Gray Construction has been building in Alabama for more than 18 years and has been involved in many of the state’s largest and most visible manufacturing projects of the past two decades. In 2001, the company opened its Alabama headquarters in Birmingham, and it has become known not only as a top-ranked design-build contractor, but as a sought-after employer as well. This year, Gray takes top honors among big employers in Business Alabama’s “Best Companies to Work For” competition.
At Gray, company leaders truly value their employees, an attitude that translates into a working environment that is positive, productive and satisfying. Gray’s corporate values of honesty, hard work, safety and following the Golden Rule don’t just apply to customers; they apply to the way employees are treated as well. As a result, employees feel supported and are happy and content. “It’s the spirit of the people at Gray — passion, commitment and a great team environment — that makes our company a great place to work, ” says Emily Bradley, PHR, manager of employment and organizational development at Gray. “Team members are embraced as valuable assets and contributors to the success of the business. Although we work very hard, we also know how to play when it’s time to celebrate our accomplishments.”
A top-20 nationally ranked architecture, engineering and construction firm, Gray works mainly in the manufacturing, retail, distribution and healthcare industries. The company offers a full spectrum of services, such as architectural planning, site selection and analysis, programming, construction and construction management, equipment procurement and installation, financing and LEED certification, Bradley says.
Currently, Gray employs 18 full-time workers in the state of Alabama, and the company has had a hand in a number of the state’s most notable industrial construction projects in recent years. Among Gray’s list of Alabama projects are Austal USA, Mobis Alabama LLC, Johnson Controls Inc., Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Topre America, Newman Technology Inc., Amtex, KTH Leesburg Products LLC, REHAU, Posco-AAPC, Kronospan, Guyoung Tech USA and Maxforma Plastics.
Founded in 1960, Gray has a long history of building relationships with its customers, subcontractors, vendors and partners, as well as with the communities in which it works, Bradley says. The company is committed to growing and developing the communities it serves by patronizing local businesses, hiring and buying locally whenever possible. Company leaders are proud of the fact that when Gray completes a project, it leaves behind the promise of many jobs for many years to come.
For more information on Gray Construction, visit gray.com.
Nancy Mann Jackson is a freelance writer for Business Alabama. She lives in Huntsville.
Text by Nancy Jackson
