CTCO Shipyard of Alabama, LLC has purchased 88 acres situated in the Demopolis Airport Industrial Park, signaling the arrival of up to 100 new jobs in the coming months.

The process of renovating the old Bergeron Barge facility and reclaiming its barge slip on the Tombigbee River are already well underway.

CTCO Shipyard of Alabama will manufacture marine equipment, including liquid petroleum tank barges.

It will employ 50 employees initially, with plans for 100 employees by December 2009. Operation is expected to begin in January 2009.

Partners in developing the project include the Mayor and Council of the City of Demopolis, Demopolis Industrial Development Board and its former Executive Secretary, Jay Shows, Marengo County Commission, Marengo County Economic Development Authority and its Executive Director, Debra M. Fox, and the Alabama Development Office.

CTCO Shipyard of Alabama, LLC is a sister company to CTCO Shipyard of Louisiana, LLC, which is headquartered in Houma, La.

Yesterday’s announcement was the second dose of good news for the local job market this week. Foster Farms announced Monday they will expand their operation and create 30 new jobs.

The enhancement of existing production lines will involve a $2.1-million-plus capital investment. Construction will begin on Feb. 1 and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009.