IN PROGRESS-Workers are making improvements to the Industrial Park’s spec building thanks to a lease signed by Green Tech of Tennessee, a company that plans to begin production there soon. (photo submitted)

By JAN CARROL, Chamber of commerce

CELINA-Canadian businessman Al Kirby, owner of Green Tech of Tennessee (GTTI), has begun construction and remodeling of the facilities located here at the Clay County Industrial Park to be used for manufacturing energy-saving LED light fixtures, soil reclamation technology, and water treatment equipment, as promised after signing a lease for the spec building with the Industrial Development Board back in May.

The original announcement of Kirby’s intentions in the May 15, 2013 HORIZON said the plan included the transformation of the building’s lobby area, the addition of new restrooms, and the construction of a lab to analyze water, soil, and air.

At that time, Kirby explained that the mission of GTTI is “Advancing green technologies to the world,” and when asked why he and his wife Betty selected Clay County, Kirby said his “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.”

Kirby also said he plans to hire individuals to fill five or six sales and labor positions right away, but anticipates several months before hiring others.

Working through the Celina Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA), Kirby suggests that any individuals interested in employment, visit the UCHRA office, pick up an application, and start the process there.