Work underway for road to new pipe plant

CHIPLEY — Another step was taken toward new jobs and industry for Washington County Thursday as ground was broken for the new access road for the Foley Products concrete pipe plant in the Washington County Industrial Park.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce hoisted the groundbreaking at the industrial park, as well as providing refreshments afterward for a reception at the County Annex that was prepared by county staff.

“This is truly a great beginning for Washington County,” said Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee Chairman Gary Clark.

With the county suffering through an unemployment rate of 11.2 percent in December any job news is good news, and the plant is expected to add 152 jobs at full capacity.

“It’s a start for increasing employment for the county,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Eddie Holman.”I take my off to everyone involved in this. With the changing economy this is brining employment to the county that we badly need.”

Chamber officials were joined by members of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to turn dirt. Work is already underway to build the road that will allow access from Pecan Street for about three-fourths of a mile to the plant. Work will begin in August.

Chamber Executive Director Ted Everett noted that it took about 4-1/2 years to bring the plant to Chipley, and there were times that it looked like the project was dead. Several dignitaries at the ceremony noted that it was primarily Everett’s persistence that brought “Project Pipe” as it was code named to fruition.

“I take off my hat to Ted for having the fortitude to see this project to conclusion,” said Chamber President Andy Fleener.

The Chamber and Washington County Commission have been pursuing this project for a number of years. The Foley Concrete Company will begin construction of its facility once the road and rail spur have been completed, which is scheduled for early to mid August.

The total capital investment including the road and rail-spur is approximately $15 million and the company will create employment for 152 at full capacity.

The road itself is funded by a $750,000 Community Development Block grant written by Washington County Grant Writer Stacey Webb a1nd a $216,500 utility grant for water and sewer obtained through Enterprise Florida. Webb is administering both grants. Webb is also administering the $2 million grant for a CSX rail spur for the plant that will add to the marketability of the industrial park.

Foley Products Co. background

In 1981, Foley Products Company was established as a division of The Concrete Company of Columbus, Georgia, according to http://www.foleyproducts.com/.

With facilities in Newnan, Georgia, Winder, Georgia, and Clanton, Alabama, the company manufactures, sells, and delivers precast concrete manholes and catch basins, precast concrete communications and electric manholes, reinforced concrete pipe, box culverts, and arch pipe. In addition, our talented staff can engineer and manufacture special precast concrete products upon request.

The resale product line includes cast iron rings and covers, grates and frames, flexible manhole connectors, joint sealant, racking packages and numerous items for the underground utilities industry. Foley Products Company is also the licensed distributor for AGRU HDPE lining in Georgia and Alabama.

All precast concrete products are manufactured to current ASTM standards. In addition, Foley Products is an approved supplier of the Georgia D.O.T., Alabama D.O.T., South Carolina D.O.T., North Carolina D.O.T., City of Atlanta, and numerous other specifying agencies, according to the website.