Leaders "Excited" About Inalfa's Expansion To Cherokee

Cherokee County's business and political leaders are reacting to the news that Dutch company Inalfa Roof Systems will be opening a manufacturing plant in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens said “having a world-class company locate in our community is a testament to our pro-business atmosphere and our attractiveness to international corporations.”

The 165,00 square foot plant will be built on a 17 acre plot in the new Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, which is located on Highway 92 east of Interstate 75.

The corporate park is currently under construction, and should be completed by the spring. 

Commissioner Jason Nelms, who represents the area of the Cherokee Corporate Park, said that the Inalfa plant will be an anchor to the new development, and will spawn additional business for the county.

"As the economic landscape continues to improve, we are thankful for the jobs that will be created, the increased tax base, and the positive impact it will make to our community as a whole," he said.

Steve Holcomb, vice chairman of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, said he is "extremely excited" that Cherokee County was chosen to be the home of the new plant.

"It’s a great compliment to the community and the state of Georgia,” he said.

Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin believes that Inalfa chose the site in Cherokee County because of the county's strategic location and its diverse, multi-talented workforce.

"This is a perfect way to kickoff the new park and set the stage for future development," Martin said.

Once construction gets underway, the manufacturing plant is expected to be up and running in January 2014. 

The new facility in Georgia will have an array of job opportunities for residents,  including in the areas of engineering, operations and supply chain, purchasing and manufacturing associates. 

The company expects to start hiring later this year and continue hiring through the first half of 2015 until the plant is fully operational.