We love to see new jobs and opportunities come to our Golden Triangle.
Columbia Industries, an oilfield and solid waste equipment manufacturer, is relocating its manufacturing operation to Starkville from Hillsboro, Oregon. The relocation comes with an initial investment of $9.5 million and will create 62 new jobs.
The new facility will be housed in the former Gulf State manufacturing facility at 101 Airport Road. Production is set to begin in September. The Mississippi Development Authority, the city and Oktibbeha County are assisting with the project.
“Everyone wants to participate in this right, which is for us a big deal. It’s not like, ‘Oh well, you move here and figure it out.’ It’s been a very welcoming experience,” Columbia Industries President Tom Moss said.
It is still undecided if company headquarters will move with the new facility, according to Moss.
Summertime means parties of the indoor and outdoor variety. I, for one, trash my house every time more than three friends come over for Saturday night gatherings. General Maintenance Solutions, which opened its Columbus location in May, has thrived by offering cleaning services to rental properties, also offering its services to businesses for cleaning and basic cosmetic repairs.
“It’s all about deep cleaning, and restoring the physical presence of the unit as close to original guarantees as possible,” owner Nick Cannady said.
Lately, I’ve seen several businesses in the Golden Triangle moving and opening in new locations. HomeTown Realty recently opened a new location at 202 Washington St. in Starkville in June.
According to owner Jody Davis, this location completes his company’s goal of having an office in each city of the Golden Triangle. The company currently has a team of 17 employees but expects to grow that number to 20 by the end of this month.
“Real estate, just like anything else, is very local and Starkville, while only 25 minutes away from our Columbus location, is a different world and you have to be where your clients are,” Davis said.
I hate to say what many commuters and car lovers might lament given the scores of dead bugs on their hoods and soda stains on their seats.
Unfortunately, The Auto Spa at 3506 Bluecutt Road in Columbus will be closing Aug. 1, according to a Facebook post by owner Christopher Tilley.
“Budgeting my time between family, my career and my business has been extremely challenging and also very rewarding. I’ve come to the conclusion that to be my best self in other areas (family, work, education, sleep lol) I need to clear some of the things on my plate,” the post reads.
Tilley originally planned to sell the business to a prospective buyer but has been unable to find the right fit for his more than 7-year-old business.
Well, folks, that’s all for now. Be sure to check back in next week for more goings on in business!
Dispatch reporter Grant McLaughlin writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send business tips to [email protected].
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