Wellborn Cabinet plans $17M investment, 400 jobs in Oxford expansion project

Wellborn Cabinet Inc. is set to invest nearly $17 million in an expansion project at the Oxford West Industrial Park.

The Ashland-based cabinet manufacturer, which is one of the largest cabinet makers in North America, plans to create around 400 jobs at its 60-acre location.

In a statement, Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) executive director Don Hopper hailed the local partnership that was created to bring the project to fruition.

“Relationships built throughout the years between the EDC, the City of Oxford, and Talladega County have streamlined the incentive process, which makes the decision to locate here easier for companies like Wellborn,” said Hopper. “This facility will allow for production of a new kitchen and bath cabinetry product line, and we are excited that they have chosen to do so in Oxford when they could’ve gone elsewhere.”

Hopper advised that the abatement approved Monday night by the Talladega County Commission was part of an incentive package that required approval from the City of Oxford and the State of Alabama.

According to a release, the Oxford City Council will meet Tuesday evening and is expected to approve their portion of the incentive package.

Oxford Mayor Alton Craft declared that Wellborn Cabinet’s expansion project was an indication that the city was well positioned for further growth.

“The decision by Wellborn Cabinet to choose Oxford as the next location for a production facility speaks to the level of commitment by the City of Oxford and the Economic Development Council to bring a world-class company to our newest industrial park,” proclaimed Craft.

“Our citizens will benefit from the economic impact that comes with bringing Mr. Wellborn and his company here for many generations,” added the mayor. “Our workforce efforts continue to explode here, and we are on everyone’s radar now. Oxford is the place to be, and thanks to the efforts of our city council, we will continue to be that place.”

Larry Deason, chairman of the Calhoun County EDC, praised the local collaboration that occurred for the project.

“The City of Oxford, Talladega County Commission, and the State of Alabama continue to work with us to ensure new quality jobs locate right here at home,” said Deason. “Our local industries continues to be one of our biggest assets. We thank each of them for their continued partnership and support of our efforts to grow our region. We are excited about this opportunity to work with Wellborn and can’t thank their team enough for their commitment to this project. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL