Disaster relief company expands into Alabama
Kelly & Company has purchased this warehouse in Monroeville to locate some of its assets closer to the Gulf Coast. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter)
Kelly & Company (KC), a disaster relief operations company based in Missouri, is expanding its operations into Alabama as part of an effort to better serve customers.
KC recently purchased a warehouse in Monroeville’s Industrial Park and held a community event April 29 to showcase its new 2021 workforce housing units. KC Manager Stephen Kelly said his team wanted a location closer to the Gulf Coast to store company equipment.
“We are moving 25% of Kelly & Company’s assets to Monroeville to be better located in case of storms,” Kelly said. “It’s about an hour and a half off of the coast – hopefully just out of harm’s way, so we can have a rapid response in case we’re activated for a storm.”
Why Monroeville is a perfect location for Kelly and Company from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
KC provides turnkey “mobile cities” for utility and oil companies who respond to some of the nation’s most devastating disasters. Within hours, KC can set up multiple mobile units, giving utility workers a place to shower and rest at night.
“We can build complete cities, not lacking anything,” Kelly said. “That’s our main desire and goal is to make sure that linemen are well-fed, showered and have a comfortable bed to rest in.”
Besides location, Kelly says KC selected Monroeville to stage equipment because of the enthusiastic reception and cooperation he’s received from city, county and local business leaders.
“What drew us to Monroeville is their desire to create more jobs in the community,” Kelly said. “They’ve been more than helpful to try and get Kelly & Co. established here in Monroeville.”
Darlene Thompson, executive director of the Monroeville Monroe County Economic Development Authority, said city leaders are thrilled with KC’s decision.
“It is a very big deal,” Thompson said. “When Stephen met with us he saw a great community and saw the support we were willing to provide the company. We’re all willing to pitch in and help and do what’s best for the community.”
Thompson said help from state leaders and private businesses helps the city and county attract companies like KC.
“Alabama Power has a big part in that, too,” Thompson said. “We have the state people helping us in recruiting businesses and so many partners. Our private industry support me in every type of resource that we might be able to get.”
While KC does not plan to create any full-time jobs at its facility in Monroeville, Thompson said the company will hire dozens of contract truck drivers and caterers as needed for storm response. KC also maintains rapid response facilities in Valdosta, Georgia, and Jasper, Texas.
