A former manufacturing facility in Charleston soon will have a new purpose. Late last week, the City of Charleston and Coles Together joined GDB International to announce the company will invest $6.5 million to renovate what once was the Trailmobile facility in Charleston. 75 new jobs will be created after upgrades are made to the 430,000 square foot facility. Helping other companies as well as governmental entities to meet sustainability goals, GDB International sources and recycles metal, paper, plastics and paint.
“The City of Charleston is the perfect home for the newest GDB operation and the Trailmobile facility provides strategic logistics advantages and access to rail allowing us to expand our operations and create many new jobs for area residents,” said Sunil Bagaria, President of GDB International. “We have plans to turn the site into the Taj Mahal of facilities in our industry. Once renovations are complete, which we anticipate could take 18 months, the facility will be a source of pride for Charleston citizens.”
Bagaria complemented the local team’s work for the past three and half years to promote the site and the community as an expansion location for his company and said he’s eager to set up shop and get underway in the community. Bagaria sees the investment and initial job creation as just a start. GDB plans to start renovation this summer on the 50-year-old structure.
“We are excited to welcome an international leader in post-industrial, post-commercial, and post-consumer recycling to Charleston and are particularly excited to welcome 75 new jobs to the community. To say this is a big deal would be an understatement,” said Charleston Mayor Brandon Combs. “The renovation of the Trailmobile building will help revitalize the building and provide a boost to our local economy.”
“Coles Together worked closely with the city and the state of Illinois to recruit this global company to Charleston, we look forward to connecting GDB with area companies to establish meaningful relationships with them,” said Angela Griffin, President of Coles Together. We welcome them as a new corporate citizen and are eager to add to their success by helping the company grow in the community.”
“GDB’s investment in a flagship production operation in Charleston represents a win for our community and a strong step forward expanding sustainability options for the industrial sector while moving Charleston, Coles County, and Illinois in the direction of a green economy,” said Scott Smith, City Manager of Charleston.
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity also played a significant role in GDB choosing Charleston for the company’s new facility.