THOMASVILLE – Governor Bob Riley on Thursday announced Lakeside Steel, Inc. will build a pipe manufacturing facility in Thomasville and initially create 120 new jobs.

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in the fall and the company plans to begin production by the end of 2011.

“This project will have a tremendous impact on this community. The new jobs coming here mean more opportunities and brighter futures for so many families,” said Governor Riley. “Alabama is honored and proud to welcome Lakeside Steel.”

The company reports that once the new facility is completed, it will be the largest industrial employer in Thomasville. In a statement released Thursday, Lakeside Steel said, “Alabama provides the right environment in which to operate a manufacturing business and Thomasville specifically will be conducive to a productive and profitable operation for years to come.”

The company, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, is a diversified steel pipe and tubing manufacturer. Lakeside Steel’s list of customers includes large oil and gas, mining, automotive, commercial and industrial supply companies.

Governor Riley thanked local officials for their hard work in recruiting Lakeside Steel to Thomasville. Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day and other local officials joined Governor Riley and Ron Bedard, President and CEO of Lakeside Steel, and Vic Alboini, Chairman of the Board of Lakeside Steel, at the announcement at the Thomasville Civic Center.

The announcement of new jobs in Thomasville comes on the heels of other recent job announcements in the state, including Hyundai Heavy Industries, which is building a power transformer manufacturing facility in Montgomery, and Raytheon Co., which is building a missile production and testing facility in Huntsville.