Smith & Co., a precision CNC machining startup, will invest $2.56 million to open a facility in Birmingham.
The company plans to hire 54 new employees over the next three years for the facility on Fourth Avenue South, which will serve the defense, aerospace and automotive industries.
The 7,500-square-foot facility will have 3-D metal printing capabilities, as well as carbon fiber and nylon.
Founder and CEO Robert Smith previously co-owned a similar company in Tuscaloosa, which he and his family sold after 30 years in the business. He moved to Birmingham and decided it was the place for a new venture.
“There is no comparison — the restaurants, events, proximity to other cities and the airport, cost of living,” Smith said. “Being in Birmingham will make it easier to attract talent, especially high-level engineers.”
The Birmingham Business Alliance worked to get Smith & Co. tax abatements through the Birmingham Industrial Development Board.
“We are excited to see Smith & Co. invest in Birmingham to bring more and better jobs to the area,” said Ron Kitchens, CEO of the Alliance. “We’ll continue to work with the company to leverage their capabilities and talent in attracting and retaining more companies to the region.”
