Hwashin America is nearing the completion of an expansion that will bring the number of jobs at the Greenville plant to approximately 530.

On Monday, the Tier One supplier got a boost from the City of Greenville.

The Greenville City Council voted to award a bid to McDonald Construction Company, Inc., of Union Springs for improvements to the existing industrial access road leading to the plant. McDonald Construction Company, Inc., was the low bidder at $255,919.80.

The project is being paid for with grant money awarded by the Alabama Road and Bridge Commission.

According to Mayor Dexter McLendon, Greenville’s portion will be $33,000. The City’s obligations include engineering fees, right of way and all project costs in excess of the awarded amount.

“This is something we need to get done as soon as possible,” McLendon said. “We want to do what we can to help (Hwashin) expand.”

Production has already begun on a 14,000 square foot addition to the plant where chassis and body parts for both Hyundia and Kia vehicles will be built.

Approximately 80 to 90 new workers have already been hired as a result of the expansion with another 20 or so expected to be hired in the near future.

Company officials say that the Greenville expansion reflects an additional $17 million investment in the $100 million facility.

In other business:

– The Council authorized the application for an Alabama Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant for the courthouse square pedestrian sidewalk project and authorized the allocation of $119,876 in matching funds from the 2011-2012 General Fund budget.

– The Council granted a restaurant retail liquor license to Lajoy Restaurant Group, LLC for Vallartas.

– The Council authorized the City of Greenville to make an application for a Delta Regional Authority Grant funding roadway improvements. The city also authorized local matching funds.

– The Council approved the following expenditures:

– $4,588.02 to CDW for Microsoft Office Software for City Computers. All but $50 was paid through a Department of Justice Cops technology grant.

– $11,087.50 to Pinnacle Networx for three in-car computers, hardware and installation and four E-Citation units, printers and mounts for the Greenville Police Department. The purchase was paid for by a Department of Justice technology grant.

– $2,361.18 to APAC for paving the City Hall parking lot.

– $7,048.50 to Lee Electric for HVAC repairs at City Hall. The price includes two new 7.5-ton compressors, driers and Freon.

– $1,518.63 to Sunbelt Fire for a hydraulic pump for Fire Engine No. 33.

– $1,090.54 to Fleet Pride for brake repairs to garbage truck No. 66.

– $1,090 to Cauthen’s Electric for repairs to the HVAC unit at the softball complex.

– $3,033.88 to Greenville Tire for two 8-ply tires for tractor No. 92 and four tires for tractor No. 10.

– $2,000 to J&J Quality Lawn Care Service for Magnolia Cemetery maintenance for August 2-3.

– $2,879 to Championship Trophy for trophies for recreation league baseball and softball.

The Council’s next regular meeting will be Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.