McNeil Technologies Inc., a wastewater infrastructure rehabilitation company has closed on the purchase of the former Factory Stores of America also known by locals as the former Vanity Fair retail outlet mall located at 950 Prim Ave., Graceville, FL.
With a prior location in Bonifay for the past seven years, the growth could no longer be contained at the present facility. With the acquisition of the vacant former retail outlet, business and manufacturing operations can be expanded comfortably.
McNeil Technologies manufactures a fiberglass lining system (called Triplex Liners) for wastewater systems across the United States, Canada, and Australia. The process is called a “no-dig” process because it can be accomplished without digging up streets and underground utilities saving cities and counties both time and money.
Ron McNeil, President of the company states, “We look forward to operating in Graceville. It is our hometown so it’s a special place on a personal level as well as professional. We want to add value to the City of Graceville and look forward to contributing to the Graceville job market and helping to fuel economic growth.” McNeil and his company will do just that by bringing approximately 25 new jobs to Jackson County and Graceville with the possibility of expansion as the company grows.
With the assistance of Jackson EDC, a Phase 1 environmental study was completed through a grant funded by Apalachee Regional Planning Council. This in turn allowed McNeil Technologies to secure necessary funding for the purchase of their new location. Currently McNeil Technologies will occupy about half of the approximately 100,000 square feet available. The other half will be offered for lease to commercial clients. Jackson EDC has continued to work with McNeil Technologies in the search for companies that could be a viable fit for the excess warehouse space. At this time McNeil Technologies and Amavida Coffee and Trading Company have agreed to lease terms, so that Amavida will be occupying the rest of the space.
Jackson EDC’s Board Chair, Darwin Gilmore, says “With manufacturing being one of the targeted industry clusters of Jackson County, this is another stepping stone in the right direction. This is not only a great win for the County, but the impact on Graceville will be tremendous. Mr. McNeil relocating his company back home proves what a great community we truly have.”
County Administrator, Wilanne Daniels, added “We are excited to welcome McNeil Technologies to Jackson County. We are grateful for the diligent efforts of JCEDC in working with the company to make this project a reality for the Graceville community.”
Jackson EDC (Jackson County Economic Development Committee) is the designated Economic Development Organization for Jackson County.
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