SCDA Provides Updates on NIFCO, Sark

Progress continues for two industries in the process of moving into Stephens County.

First, the Stephens County Development Authority unanimously approved a temporary lease agreement with NIFCO KTW at a called meeting Thursday.

Stephens County Development Authority Executive Director Tim Martin said that this agreement will help in the construction of the NIFCO KTW building in the Hayestone-Brady Business Park.

“The Board authorized the Chairman to sign a temporary lease agreement, which allows Evans General Contractors access to the site prior to the real estate closing,” said Martin. “What this does is gives them permission to get on the site, start their work, and add this time to their construction schedule.”

German-based automotive parts supplier NIFCO KTW announced last month that it would locate its U.S. operations in Stephens County, creating 200 jobs over the next five years.

Martin said that progress on constructing a 130,000 square foot facility in Hayestone-Brady for NIFCO KTW is moving along right on schedule.

“They have a construction trailer on the site now,” said Martin. “The site is marked with a sign that says ‘Future Home of NIFCO KTW.’ They are coordinating with both the city and county on various infrastructure needs. Georgia Power has provided temporary power to the site. They are moving full speed ahead on about 20 different fronts.”

NIFCO KTW is scheduled to begin operations in Stephens County next year.

Meanwhile, Martin said Turkish-based copper wire manufacturer Sark Wire is also making progress on its move to Stephens County.

“They have done some interior remodeling, preparing the building to accept brand new machinery,” said Martin. “That new machinery was shipped here from Italy.”

He said Sark is on schedule for a late summer or early fall beginning of operations.

Sark Wire announced back in May that it would locate in the old Eddy West building in the Meadowbrook Industrial Park.

Martin said that people interested in positions at Sark should apply through the Georgia Department of Labor.