Butler County continues to improve its profile with the addition of two small industries.

Malloy Chandler, chairman of the Butler County Commission for Economic Development (BCCED), in speaking at the Thursday meeting of the Butler County Manufacturers Association (BCMA) outlined the specifics of the newly installed industries and described the U.S. 31 industrial park that's off and running.

The park itself covers 160 acres of land on the west side of U.S. 31 North, approximately a half mile past the Ala. 10 intersection.

Chandler said the park already has a spec building that is shared by the two newcomers, and that a second spec building is already under construction and should be ready for occupancy in the near future.

This second building, he noted, already has a prospective industry that would lease one-half of the structure for manufacturing purposes.

He noted further that a grant of $1.9 million has been approved for the further development of the park. Included in this first phase is a water tank, a sewer system and the basic layout for roads.

Should a new grant be awarded the road system would be further developed.

Additionally, there are plans for the acquisition of an additional 49 acres for an adjacent business park.

Special guests at the meeting included the manager/owners of the two newly-installed industries, Jerry Gates (Jackson Lumber Sales) and Butch Thurmon (Thurmon Tool and Mold).

The latter two, whose industries currently employ some 25 workers, briefly outlined the varied functions of their plants. Their wives accompanied them.

The next BCMA meeting, tentatively set for early fall, will feature a detailed report on the proposed airport expansion.