DOTHAN, Ala. – Florida-based International Beams, a manufacturer of high-quality, pre-fabricated i-joists, will convert a General Electric building as its new 227,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dothan, Alabama.

The City of Dothan approved several tax abatements for the factory conversion, including $632,000 and four annual payments from July 2018 to July 2021 “to meet obligations with the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority to facilitate the project,” reported the Dothan Eagle.

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The number of jobs created and more details about the expansion will be announced next week, Dothan officials said. It is reportedly unknown precisely what International Beams will manufacture at the facility, but the state said the company made sure the facility was highly-specialized.

At its other plants, International Beams produces solid-sawn i-joists - strong, lightweight, "I" shaped engineered wood structural members that meet demanding performance standards. I-joists are comprised of top and bottom flanges, says the APA, which resist bending and provide outstanding shear resistance. The flange material is typically laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or solid sawn lumber, and the web is made with plywood or OSB. The robust combination of structural characteristics results in a versatile, economical framing member that is easy to install in residential and light commercial projects.

International Beams is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and runs two manufacturing facilities, one in Pohenegamook, Quebec, and the other in Tillson, Ontario. The company employs 95 workers across the two sites.

Find more about International Beams here.