Granex Inc. Begins Work on New Tampa Facility
TAMPA, Fla. – Granex Inc. breaks ground here today on a new manufacturing facility.
The $6 million development will process granite and marble slabs from imported raw materials and create up to 50 new jobs upon completion.
“This facility will be a ‘first-of-its-kind’ for the domestic engineering of granite and marble slabs,” said Raj Emandi, president of the Tampa-based stone wholesaler/distributor. “Once operational, we’ll begin to distribute the product within the U.S., as well as export to Europe, Central America and South America.”
Construction is projected to last approximately two months, with hiring taking place in late September or early October. The company will seek both skilled and entry-level workers in positions that include production, machine operation, shipping and receivables, and sales and marketing.
“It’s exciting to see the American manufacturing industry continue to rebound, throughout the country and at home,” said the Hon. Ken Hagan, chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission. “We congratulate Granex on its growth and look forward to the arrival of another product we can proudly acknowledge as made in Tampa Bay.”
Project assistance was provided by local economic development partners, including Hillsborough County, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance.
“Our community offers an abundance of assets, resources and support for area manufacturers, and the success of companies like Granex help us tell that story,” said David Pizzo, Chair of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC and Market President, West Florida Region for Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company. “This industry is gaining momentum, and we believe the outlook is positive for future expansions and opportunity.”
The facility will be located at 5101 E. Diana St. in Tampa.
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