It was a celebration of industrial proportions as Associated MetalCast cut the ribbon on its newest site in the McIntosh Industrial Park on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

President and CEO Devon Bell thanked the full house of invited guests for being part of a “historic milestone” for the company.

The expansion is part of a $6.24 million investment expected to upgrade the company’s two Oxford facilities and add several skilled manufacturing positions over the next six years.

“Today is more than just opening the door to a new facility,” Bell said. “It’s about celebrating the journey. It’s about celebrating the people that made this journey possible. And it’s about celebrating the relationships that have brought us here.”

“To the city of Oxford and the state of Alabama, thank you for believing in AMI and thank you for supporting the growth over the years,” Bell continued. “Your partnership has helped make this investment possible. We’re proud to continue growing, investing, and creating opportunities in Oxford, Alabama, while we are making an active part of the community that has made this possible throughout our journey.”

Calhoun County Economic Development Council executive director Don Hopper recalled that the council has been part of that journey since 2008, when there were 10 employees. The company now employs more than 150.

“We are fortunate and honored to be a part of this,” Hopper said. “And you will notice, this is not just a ribbon-cutting. This is a construction site. They are doubling the size of this building right now. The investment AMI has made in this community is about providing for our families and improving our quality of life. We appreciate that.”

Kelly Pierce, executive director of One East Alabama, which serves as a regional economic development organization, thanked the company “for investing in our community and our people.”

“Your growth and engagement in our community and in our county shows that we are a destination, and we thank you for that,” Pierce said. “Our mission is to bring people here to live, work, and play. Associated MetalCast is living out that mission.”

Hunter Gentry, Oxford director of Economic Development and Main Street, represented Mayor Alton Craft at the ceremony.

“When an existing industry chooses to expand its operations in Oxford, it sends a strong message,” Gentry said. “It says our community is still growing and our economy is strong. Most importantly, companies see Oxford as a place where they can invest and succeed. We never take it for granted when a company chooses to invest and grow here in Oxford, Alabama.”

“Associated MetalCast began in 1998 with three people with a vision to work hard and build relationships,” Bell said. “In 2002, we took our very first step into manufacturing. In 2008, we made our very first large investment with a 25,000-square-foot facility at our H.J. Bentley, Jr. Parkway facility. Today, that facility is more than 140,000 square feet. Then came this McIntosh site. We received the keys in May 2024.”

Bell said there was no ribbon cutting at that time because instead of celebrating the building, “We wanted to celebrate what the people inside it have accomplished.”

“Today, we have 60,000-square-feet with construction right now to add another 60,000-square-feet,” he added. “None of these numbers are what matters most. What matters is the people behind them. Every customer, every supplier, every community partner, and every AMI team member has played a role in bringing us to this point. Today doesn’t just celebrate a building, but the values that built it.”

Bell then paid tribute to AMI founder Ron Douglas, and AMP vice-president of sales Mike Houghston presented Ron with a special plaque with representations of the company’s two Oxford locations on behalf of all the employees.

Douglas’ son, John, then took the podium for a personal, and sometimes emotional, addition to the salute of his father.

“I’ve had the unique opportunity of experiencing him in two different ways – being his son and him being my boss,” John said. “That’s something a lot of sons don’t get to experience, and it’s been a blessing the past 20 years working here at AMI.”

He recalled his father coming home and sitting at a table attempting to develop a name for the company.

“We settled on Associated MetalCast,” John said with a breaking voice. “Associated is a simple word. To me, it means you are connected to others with a shared purpose, common values, and a commitment to accomplish something greater together. I feel like that sums up who we are as a business, as a family, and all the employees.”

“Growing up, I knew Dad worked hard, but it wasn’t until I started working in the business that I truly understood what was involved, what he was building, and what it took to build it,” John said. “I saw the difficult decisions and the risks he was willing to take when he believed in something. I saw how much he cared about the company and the people who helped build it. What I am most proud of is not what you built, Dad, but how you built it.”

John directly addressed his father, saying those with the company wanted to ensure his work would always be remembered.

“We have decided to make that official,” John said. “Dad, from this day forward, everyone who comes to this facility will have to follow your direction one more time because the road coming off of McIntosh Road into our facility will be named Ron A. Douglas Way.”

The son presented the father with a replica of the sign which will mark the entrance road to the new site.

“What an incredible honor,” Ron said. “God is good.”

“This company was built on the cornerstone of the many people who have had a hand in our success,” he continued. “I thank each of you for making this journey here to join us, and to all of you in our dedicated group of employees, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This isn’t about me. It isn’t about the company. It’s about every one of you. When it comes to our success, we are blessed beyond measure.”