LACIE SILVA
Editor
The Marion County Commission has unanimously approved the Southern Spear Project pilot during its recent meeting, signaling a significant investment in the region.
Southern Spear, a metal fabrication company based in Chattanooga, plans to repurpose the old Kmart shopping center in South Pittsburg, investing $6.1 million in real property and $6.6 million in personal property. Over the next five years, the company expects to create 250 jobs, with wages starting at $20 an hour.
The project, approved for a 10-year graduated Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) plan, is designed to provide tax incentives as the company grows, with the property tax exemption increasing by 10% each year. The City of South Pittsburg has rezoned the area for industrial use, and the project will not affect property taxes allocated to the school district.
Ashley Ayers, Southern Spear Ironworks’ development manager, addressed the board and provided an overview of the company’s workforce training initiatives, which include partnerships with Marion County Schools to offer welding and machinery operation training. Additionally, Southern Spear collaborates with programs to employ inmates through work-release opportunities, a topic of concern raised during the meeting. Ayers clarified that while the company has partnered with these programs in other counties, there is no current initiative in Marion County, though discussions are ongoing.
Concerns were also raised about the proximity of the facility to residential areas, but Ayers reassured the commission that safety protocols and employee supervision would minimize any risks. The board recognized the potential for job creation and economic growth, comparing it to other successful ventures in the county, such as the Food City project.
With approval granted, Southern Spear expects to begin operations after January, following the arrival of key equipment. The company will initially transfer some of its workforce from its Chattanooga facility but plans to recruit locally as it ramps up production in Marion County.
