MAKING IT OFFICIAL-Local officials and members of the Industrial Development Board joined GTTI owners Alan and Betty Kirby for the signing of a lease for the county’s spec building where the company will soon begin doing business. Pictured, left to right sitting, are the Kirbys and Phillp Mathews, and, left to right standing, are Celina mayor Willie Kerr, Danny Nevans, Daniel Stewart, Jed Donaldson, Renee Davis, Paula Boone, Dino Cates, Bonnie Craighead, county mayor Dale Reagan, and chamber director Ray Norris. (photo courtesy Jan Carrol)

Submitted by Jan Carrol, Chamber of Commerce

CELINA-Manufacturing a water treatment system, a soil treatment system, LED lighting, as well as hydro carbon waste and used tire processing in Clay County is already in the works for Canadian businessman Alan Kirby.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has been working closely with Kirby since January of this year, and signing a lease for the spec building during the Industrial Development Board meeting on May 7, has put the process into motion.

The new manufacturing facility is Green Tech of Tennessee, Inc. (GTTI).  Kirby said that the mission of GTTI is “Advancing green technologies to the world.”

Kirby told the board, “having access to the spec building initially will be followed by 60 days of building improvements.”

Sharing his plans with the board members present at last Tuesday’s meeting, Kirby described how working with Honest Abe, the lobby area will transform a glass wall and rough-hewn logs into a downhome, welcoming appearance.

Four new restrooms are on the blueprint as well and will provide separate facilities for the public and workers.

Kirby also plans to build a lab to analyze water, soil, and air control.

GTTI will be interviewing and hiring four to five key employees during the 60-day start-up period. Marketing for these “Made in the U.S.A.” products will also begin during the same period.

Kirby’s plan is to “have finished product available to ship on day one when orders begin.”

“Additional employees will be hired for each $60,000 increment of sales,” he explained.

When asked why he and his wife Betty selected Clay County, Kirby responded, “My great grandfather, Sheppard Kirby was the founder of Red Boiling Springs Healing Water in the 1800s and the family moved lock, stock, and barrel to Canada early last century, but my historical roots are deep and pulled me back to the Upper Cumberland.”

The Kirbys had help from Dino Cates locating a beautiful house in the Clay County area and hope to move there soon.