Automotive suppliers/metals
With its proximity to nearby automotive manufacturing plants, Chilton County is home to several supplier firms, among them the county’s largest industrial employer, Adient, which makes seating and other interior elements in Clanton.
Other major employers in this sector are Kumi Manufacturing Alabama LLC, which makes injected molded plastics products, and Sumrall Seats.
There is a healthy metal sector, with Franklin Iron Works and O-Flex Metals among the largest manufacturers.
Wood products/paper/food
Chilton is the largest peach producing county in the state.
It is also home to several major wood products makers — Boise Cascade Co., West Fraser Lumber, South Coast Paper and Taylor-Made/Reynolds.
One of the largest manufacturers in the food distribution/manufacturing business is Merchants Foodservice.
Health care
In Chilton County, Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton opened in Clanton in 2016. It is located on a 40-acre property close to Interstate 65 and has spurred more economic development. It is part of Ascension, the world’s largest Catholic health system.
Higher education
Jefferson State Community College’s Chilton-Clanton Campus serves students in academic and career technical areas. It offers dual enrollment options for area high school students and includes a Conference and Performing Arts Center that hosts all types of events and is home to the school’s theatre program.
Aviation
The Chilton County Airport Authority is working on acquiring land to expand its runway to 5,000 feet. County and city of Clanton officials also are working on plans to build a parallel taxiway and modernize the administration building and terminal.
Business Briefs:
June 2022: The city of Clanton and Chilton County are marketing 500-plus acres of property on Exit 212 off Interstate 65 in Clanton. Officials say it is a prime location for tourism or other large developments because of the property’s easy interstate access and its central Alabama location.
June 2022: Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital and UAB Hospital have teamed up to provide tele-critical (eICU) and tele-stroke programs to Chilton County.
March 2022: The Clanton City Council establishes the Peach Arts and Entertainment District to provide expanded dining and entertainment options.
March 2022: Green’s Grain and Farm Supply opens in Clanton. It is owned by brothers Griffin and Bryson Green.
February 2022: The Chilton County Commission purchases 63 acres at Exit 200 off Interstate 65, planning to market it for industrial development with plans for infrastructure and more.
April 2021: Jefferson State Community College Chilton-Clanton Campus, the Alabama Community College System and more than 20 business and industry partners announce a Heavy Equipment Operator program to address the need for more certified construction and heavy equipment workers for infrastructure projects statewide.
December 2021: The city of Clanton establishes a five-member Industrial Development Board to assist city officials in managing and promoting local economic development efforts.
December 2021: The city of Clanton recently hired Mike Sullivan as parks and recreation director.
This article appeared in the August 2022 issue of Business Alabama.
