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PTC paves the way for scores of new jobs |
2010-07-19 |
By Trey Alverson |
For once, it did not take long for members of Peachtree City's famously thorough city council to make up their minds.
In a 5-0 vote, council approved the first step in a rezoning and annexation bid that could turn an unwanted retail tract bordering the city's southern edge into a much-desired job-producing light industrial center.
Low Temp Industries, Inc., a family owned specialized kitchen equipment manufacturer, has outgrown its 63-year old Jonesboro headquarters.
The company wants to relocate to the Southern Pines tract, a 77-acre property located along Hwy 74 South, across from Redwine Road. Currently just outside the city limits, the tract was zoned for retail / office use by Fayette County in 2000.
Peachtree City's stubborn refusal to grant access to the city's sewer system has prevented large scale retail development from coming to the site.
But after 11 long years of negotiations, Low Temp appears to be exactly the type of tenant the city was hoping to land.
Founded in 1947 by W.B. Casey, Low Temp Industries currently employs approximately 200 people at its non-union Clayton County plant.
The company designs and manufactures custom serving lines, salad bars, pot sinks and other equipment. Clients include the U.S. Navy, public schools and nursing homes.
"We want to stay somewhat local," said current company president Ben Casey, W.B. Casey's grandson.
"We're excited about Peachtree City because this site gives us an opportunity to grow."
Mike Gray of the Panattoni Development Company presented a preliminary site plan, showing a "$7 million investment-grade manufacturing and headquarters complex" with room for possible expansions on site.
Fayette County Development Authority President Brandt Herndon and Development Authority of Peachtree City Chairman Mark Hollums both spoke highly of Low Temp and the Casey family.
Thursday's council vote was only a preliminary approval of the rezoning and annexation process.
Low Temp must now appear before the city's planning commission before going back before council for public hearings and an actual up or down vote.
City Councilman Doug Sturbaum said he is glad to see a company like Low Temp considering Peachtree City.
"This is exactly the type of southern gateway to the city that we have talked about in the past," he said. "From what I have seen, Low Temp is a fine company and we're glad they're looking at us."
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