Soddy-Daisy Mayor Jim Adams, Global Green Lighting president Don Lepard and Soddy-Daisy Commissioner Geno Shipley, from left, discuss plans for the expansion of Global Green Lighting in Soddy-Daisy's industrial park.
Photo by Katie WardA $550,000 Community Development Block Grant recently signed by Soddy-Daisy Mayor Jim Adams will pave the way for 100 new jobs in the community. The state-funded industrial loan grant will likely be awarded to Global Manufacturing Alliance Group's Global Green Lighting to expand their operations in Soddy-Daisy.
"I've always said this is the type of jobs we want in Soddy-Daisy," said Adams.
Global Green Lighting president Don Lepard said he plans to move his LED light manufacturing plant from Ningbo, China, to Soddy-Daisy. The business, which produces cutting-edge technology in the form of LED lighting with radio voice activation, already does a lot of business, which will mean even more sales tax revenue for the city.
"We project $20 million in sales this year and predict $90 million in sales next year," said Lepard. "We have 15 to 20 employees now. If we hit $90 million, we will have 250 employees."
Bright Bridge consultant Hale Booth said he has been working for a couple of years to help the company expand in Soddy-Daisy.
"GMAG has been here a long time," said Soddy-Daisy City Manager Hardie Stulce. "They are trying to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States."
Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners unanimously approved for Adams to sign the grant May 5.
The business has been in Soddy-Daisy Industrial Park for five years, according to Lepard. He said the lighting products produced use 50 percent less energy and require 80 percent less maintenance.