Grenada glass plant expanding

Vitro America, which makes and distributes architectural glass and aluminum products, is expanding its Grenada plant, adding 20 jobs to the 100-employee work force.

The Memphis-based company announced today it has invested $1.2 million in new equipment to consolidate the production of safety glass and storefront metal systems into an in-house operation at its Grenada manufacturing facility.

Previously, the company outsourced production of its storefront metal systems.

"On behalf of Vitro America, we appreciate all the effort and support from the MDA and local officials in the Grenada community," plant manager Wayne B. Smith said in a news release. "We have been here since 1947 and hope to remain in Grenada for another 60 years and beyond! Our plan is that our investment will enable us to be more competitive in the storefront metal commercial markets and that we will soon outgrow our expansion requiring more capital investment and more jobs."

The Mississippi Development Authority provided $135,000 in Development Infrastructure Program funds for facility improvements, and the city of Grenada provided $15,000 in matching funds.

"It is great to see Vitro America expanding its Grenada operations and adding 20 new jobs," Gray Swoope, MDA executive director, said in the news release. "This is welcome news during these challenging economic times."

Vitro America has more than 30 distribution and fabrication locations that furnish laminated glass, heat-treated glass, insulated, spandrel, mirror and many other glass and glass-related products.