(MOBILE, Ala.) - A plant in Midtown that was closed down last year is set to reopen. The roofing-maker GAF is ready to fire back up it's operation.
GAF, which makes asphalt shingles, built its plant on Emogene Street in 1949. The company has opened and closed several the plant times over the past few years. When it closed last year, laying off about 60 workers, it was another blow to Mobile's economy.
But now, GAF says it's back, thanks to increased demand for shingles brought about by recent tornadoes. Company spokesperson Alyssa Hall says GAF is "cautiously optimistic" about the economy, because more people are re-roofing their own homes.
Hall says, "Our CEO believes the Mobile facility is a strategic plant. We really believe this market will sustain itself and this plant will now remain a part of our network."
Some in Midtown were relieved when the plant closed, citing the often unpleasant odor from the plant. Thalia Laird has lived across the street from the plant and says, she's happy to see it reopen.
"Fortunately, my children have all been able to be continually employed, but there are people without jobs, and they need it!" she says.
The opening will mean 60 jobs and the start date is expected sometime next month.
