News

Cullman, Ala., is site of new "green homes" plant

Feb. 18, 2008 — Stokes Development LLC will invest $8 million in a spec building in Cullman, Ala., where it will manufacture "green homes."

Operating as Green Structure Homes of Alabama, it will hire 80 employees in its first phase of operation and as many as 300 by its third year.

The company will build 500 to 600 "Katrina-style" homes every year. Made of light-gauge steel, the homes are hurricane- and mold-resistant and can be constructed in two days. "The kind of steel we use makes it impervious to lots of things in the environment," says COO Scott Stokes. The buildings have the highest UL rating in the industry.

The modular design makes the structures suitable for small cottage-style homes, but the company also plans to build structures up to four stories high that can serve as condos or hotels.

Green Structure Homes will occupy a 99,000-square-foot building in the Cullman Industrial Complex. TVA was a partner with the local community on the financing of the building. This is Cullman's fifth successful spec building project.

Partners in the project also include the Cullman Electric Cooperative, Alabama Development Office, Cullman Economic Development Agency, and North Alabama Industrial Development Association.