Nucor Corporation, which is the parent company of Kirby Building Systems in Starkville, is laying off roughly 100 employees due to a production shift.
Kirby Building Systems, which Nucor acquired in 2007, is transferring its metal building manufacturing operations to Portland, Tennessee, the company announced Wednesday.
Katherine Miller, Nucor’s director of public affairs and corporate communications, told The Dispatch in an email there are “resources in place” to help the laid off Starkville workers find employment elsewhere within the company.
That will undoubtedly require relocation in most cases, though, since Portland, Tennessee is more than 300 miles from Starkville.
“Our production teammates in Starkville are a group of hard working and dedicated individuals, and we greatly appreciate their efforts to produce the highest quality products,” Miller said in her email.
She added the company will “maintain a significant commercial and technical presence at the Starkville facility.”
Nucor’s Buildings Group manufactures its metal buildings under the following brands: Nucor Building Systems, American Buildings Company, Kirby Building Systems and CBC Steel Buildings, Miller said. The primary markets served are commercial, industrial and institutional buildings, including distribution centers, automobile dealerships, retail centers, schools, warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
On a different note — in September, it was a possibility that Burger King was coming to Starkville again. The company was eyeing a lot right next door to Hardee’s on Highway 12 and submitted a site plan to the city building department for review.
But now, after about four months, it’s official. The fast food joint will be opening up at 409 Highway 12 E. Community Development Director Buddy Sanders said building permits were issued this week.
Keep in mind, there is still a Burger King on Mississippi State University’s campus and the restaurant was once located at 701 Highway 12 East where Chick-fil-A is now.
Also in Starkville, Walmart Neighborhood Market is set to open Jan. 17. It is located at 105 Market Street, off Highway 12 next to LaQuinta Inn.
Lastly Backyard Burger in Columbus is reopening, according to city building official Ken Wiegel.
The burger joint is opening in the same location that was closed in October 2016.
Wiegel said he was unsure of the exact reopening date. He confirmed inspections were completed this week.
Reporter Alex Holloway contributed to this report.
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