No plan for hail cannons, says VW Chattanooga
Volkswagen’s auto assembly plant in Chattanooga says it has no intention of installing so-called “hail cannons” which have created controversy near a factory in Mexico.
The automaker has been accused by neighboring farmers of ruining crops planted near its factory in Puebla, Mexico, by using technology to alter the weather. Local groups have accused the company of causing a dry spell with hail cannons which shoot sonic booms into the air to prevent the formation of hail. The devices are used to protect cars parked outside the factory from dents caused by hailstones.
A Chattanooga spokesman said the local plant uses hail nets to catch the icy pellets. Even in Mexico, the automaker said it now plans to install hail nets and continue to use the cannons if needed.
CBL sells Georgia center for $21.5 million cash
CBL Properties on Monday announced it closed on the sale of Statesboro Crossing, a community center located in Statesboro, Georgia, for $21.5 million in cash.
Proceeds from the sale were used to retire the $10.7 million loan secured by the property and to reduce outstanding balances on the company’s lines of credit, according to the Chattanooga-based shopping center company.
“With this closing, we have completed more than $60 million in disposition activity this year,” said CBL Chief Executive Officer Stephen Lebovitz in a statement. “Proceeds from these transactions have contributed towards debt reduction and investments in redevelopment as we transform our core properties with new dynamic uses.”
Statesboro Crossing was sold to a group of investors through New Orleans-based Morrison Investment Group LLC.