Fiberglass Unlimited begins expansion

A groundbreaking Thursday morning on Industrial Avenue in Roanoke began a new chapter in the progress of a Roanoke business. The 20,000-sq.-ft. building being constructed by Fiberglass Unlimited will bring most of the company’s operations under one roof and greatly improve manufacturing efficiency.

It also will result in the hiring of five additional employees to join the 22 already employed there. Fiberglass Unlimited’s primary products are high-quality fiberglass church steeples, baptistries and cupolas that are shipped worldwide.

According to co-owner Terry Kennedy, this is the most exciting time since he joined the company in 1990. He said the company’s success has resulted in their adding buildings to the existing operation as more space was needed. This resulted in inefficiencies that the new building will eliminate, he said. The new building will have a state-of-the-art dust control system and sprinkler system and will bring 90 percent of production under one roof.

Roger Ledford, the other co-owner who joined the company in 1996, said the new facility will save time and steps and will add to the comfort of the employees.

Brad Stephens, general contractor for the project who is from Wadley, said he is allowing local people to do the sub-contracting work.

Cotina Terry, executive director of the Randolph County Industrial Development Council, said the largest job growth in Alabama is not in new industry but in expansion of existing industries like Fiberglass Unlimited.

Others speaking at the groundbreaking were Randolph County Commission Chairman Terry Lovvorn and Roanoke Mayor Mike Fisher.