Expansion will add 70 jobs

A Vance lumber company will create more than 70 new jobs after the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority's approval of a tax abatement package.

During its Thursday meeting, the authority approved the tax abatement package as part of a $28.2 million capital investment at KyKenKee Inc., according to Jo Bonner, the TCIDA's interim executive director. 

“KyKenKee is a prime example of the diverse economy in Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama,” Bonner said in a news release. “This new investment will allow the company an opportunity to enter new lines of business and to produce new wood products and goods, while creating 70 new, good paying jobs for our community.”

KyKenKee traces its operations back to 1912. The name of the company was changed in 1980 to KyKenKee Inc. The company's former name was I.L. Burt and Sons.

KyKenKee manufactures hardwoods and Southern Yellow Pine, as well as specialty cut items and greenscape products such as wood chips and bark. The company now employs more than 600 people.

TCIDA estimates the project will contribute almost $14 million during the next 20 years in taxes.

TCIDA officials say the company will be eligible for tax abatements in the amount of $1.36 million during the first 10 years of the project. During those 10 years, officials estimate the project will contribute more than $652,000 in non‐abated education tax revenue.

In other action, the authority recognized its longest‐serving board member, Tuscaloosa businessman Ronny Rhodes, by naming its board room the Rhodes Conference Room.

Rhodes, the founder and owner of Craftex Protective Coatings in Moundville, has served on the TCIDA board since May 8, 1985. He has previously served TCIDA as its chairman as well as held numerous other leadership positions throughout the years.

“Ronny Rhodes has been a great member of our Board for more than 30 years,” said Dean McClure, TCIDA board chairman. “His service to his community is unparalleled, and he has been a key partner as we have successfully recruited a number of companies to Tuscaloosa County throughout the years.”

During Rhodes’ time on the board, TCIDA has announced the arrival of more than 16,000 jobs in Tuscaloosa County with more than $7.6 billion in capital investment. McClure said Rhodes played a key role in helping recruiting JVC, Hanna Steel, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and numerous automotive suppliers.

In addition to serving TCIDA, Rhodes has also been active with the West Alabama Regional Commission, the Boys & Girls Club, Tuscaloosa County Clean Community Commission, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the Jaycees. He was recognized as a Pillar of West Alabama in 2010 by the Community Foundation of West Alabama.