Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation’s announcement of a $232 million investment in Gadsden has been named one of Business Facilities’ 2023 Impact Award Deals of the Year as the magazine recognized USNC, the City of Gadsden, the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority and other partners.
Each January, Business Facilities, a publication for corporate site selectors, recognizes economic development organizations for securing significant corporate relocation, expansion or retention projects. The award recognizes project investments that will significantly impact their new or expanded locations, focusing on a specific aspect of the project.
Last June, USNC announced that Gadsden had been selected as the location of the company’s Micro-Modular Reactor (MMR) assembly plant. This $232 million investment will employ 250 professional and technical workers following its completion in 2027. Gadsden was chosen following an extensive search spanning multiple states and hundreds of potential sites.
“The City of Gadsden is no longer what it used to be,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “With Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation’s advanced manufacturing plant, our strategic focus on innovation and the knowledge economy is paying off. Gadsden is Alabama’s advanced manufacturing center, and this deal and this award solidifies that fact.”
The recognition by Business Facilities magazine puts Gadsden and USNC alongside other companies receiving honors, such as Tesla, Toyota and Amazon.
The deal, which won the Impact Award in the “Workforce” category, was made possible by the Alabama State Department of Commerce, Alabama Power, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the Gadsden Airport Authority and Gadsden State Community College.
“This is a great honor, and it wouldn’t have been possible without cooperation at all levels,” said David Hooks, Executive Director of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority.
“We have so many partners like Gadsden State Community College and its Alabama Technology Network that have been working for years to improve the quality of our workforce. This award shows that those efforts are paying off.”
“I can’t thank David Hooks, the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority board, and their staff enough for their outstanding work on this project,” said Ford, who added that this investment in Gadsden is one of the primary building blocks for the city’s future.
“Over the next several years, Gadsden is poised for unprecedented growth in technology jobs, advanced manufacturing, educational attainment, outdoor recreation, household income and more,” said Ford. “It is a beautiful challenge for our riverfront city, and I welcome any investor, resident or supporter for their interest in growing with Gadsden.”
Submitted by Michael Rodgers, City of Gadsden