A machining startup is investing in its Birmingham operations.
Smith & Co., a precision CNC machining startup, will invest $2.56 million to open a facility in Birmingham to serve the defense, aerospace and automotive industries.
According to the Birmingham Business Alliance, the company plans to hire 54 new employees over the next three years, with an average wage of more than $68,000. The new facility will be in a 7,500-square-foot space on Fourth Ave. S. near the Lakeview District.
Founder and CEO Robert Smith said the company will manufacture a variety of commercial parts for almost any industry but will be focused on defense, aerospace and the automotive industries. The facility will also have 3-D metal printing capabilities as well as production means with carbon fiber and nylon.
In October, the Birmingham Industrial Development Board agreed to abate noneducational ad valorem and sales and use taxes for 10 years for the project. The Birmingham Business Alliance worked with the company through the approval process. Smith & Co. worked with Andy Jocham with the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, Alex Patrick with The Alliance as well as Tim Segars and Bo Lineberry at Balch & Bingham on the project.
Smith previously co-owned a similar company in Tuscaloosa, which he and his family sold after 30 years in business. Smith had moved to Birmingham four years ago and felt it was a great place to start 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.”
