In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, explore Lozier’s plants, people and towns in this series Plant Town History.
On December 1, 1902, James Armstrong arrived at the Scottsboro town center with a spare horse. The Alabama newspaper editor was looking to make a deal, creating the very first Horse Swapper’s Day. 120 years later, Trade Day still takes place on the first Monday of the month, although it’s not just horses nor only Scottsboro residents who come bargain and barter.
Lozier purchased Scottsboro’s Plant 1 from the Cornelius Company in 1972. Having produced vending machines, crews switched the plant over to Lozier’s shelving manufacturing. With an initial size of 220,000 square feet, the facility later expanded to 507,000 square feet.
“Scottsboro produces many of the products produced in other Lozier plants, but it is the only location that manufactures Lozier’s Storage Shelf line,” said Jim Jones, Plant Manager. “Some of our other major products were storage shelves, standard Lozier shelves, wide span and wood.”
Scottsboro’s commerce history doesn’t close with Trade Day. In 1995, the Unclaimed Baggage Center shop hit the worldwide news. Though it opened in 1970, America took notice of the country’s “best-kept shopping secret.” The operation refurbishes and resells items from unclaimed luggage. It is the largest of its kind in the nation and draws in visitors from more than 40 countries every year.
“I believe the nature and outdoor activities surrounding Scottsboro, and in Jackson County are the real treasure,” said Mitch Smith, Area Manager. “This area is an outdoor person’s paradise, predominately hunting, fishing, and water sports. Lake Guntersville is routinely ranked as one of the top 10 best lakes in the country for Bass fishing.”
The lakes provide numerous fishing opportunities, with Bass, Crappie and Catfish being plentiful throughout the lake. Smith says residents and travelers like to use the lake for a variety of water activities and to get out and enjoy the scenic area.
“The lake abounds with wildlife, you are subject to see eagles, ospreys, deer and various species of small game on any given day,” Smith said. “The small town environment adds to the experience, people are willing to give advice on areas, tactics and are open to making new friends.”
In that small town, Lozier grew a little bigger with the purchase of Plant 2 in 2004, expanding Scottsboro’s capabilities by 277,000 square feet. The plant was formerly run by Pillowtex Incorporated, out of North Carolina. The new space allowed Scottsboro to produce more storage shelving, wood, fiber board and high-volume metal component fabrication.
Jeff Jones, Shipping Supervisor, echoes Smith’s love for nature, enjoying outdoor activities and the mountains, lakes and rivers near Scottsboro. Jones has called Scottsboro home his whole life, and he knows the staff there is always open to new opportunities.
“Every day is different,” Jones said. “There’s different challenges. You can help somebody grow as an employee; you learn more yourself; you think you’ve been here 20 years and think you know it all and there’s something else that’s there to learn.”
Scottsboro’s flexibility and attitude toward trying something new is reflected in many of its projects. Earlier this year, Scottsboro designed and tested a new die for Exotec production in conjunction with Lozier Engineers in Omaha. It also is changing the game in brake presses, testing a new die insert taking top shelf production from a three-hit process down to just one.
From unique shops and long-running Trade Days to dense and beautiful countryside, there’s something for everyone in Scottsboro. What Jones loves about the plant are the people and the way they work.
“Scottsboro is like a family,” Jones said. “You know, we all have our own families at home, but this is a working family. We take care of each other. We work as a team, we promote a team-like atmosphere and all that goes with that. We try to provide a safe and happy environment for everybody to work in.”