SMD Steel Breaks Ground on Major New Facility in Rainbow City
A Landmark Moment for Industrial Growth in Etowah County
By Tony Hathcock
Rainbow City, Ala. — The sound of tractors moving dirt briefly quieted in Rainbow City on Wednesday afternoon, but the pause was only a momentary one. At precisely 1 p.m., that sound was replaced by applause, greetings, and the collective optimism of progress, as local officials, business leaders, and community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a major new industrial facility that promises to reshape the economic landscape of Etowah County.
The event marked the beginning of construction for a new facility by SMD Steel, LLC — Sustainability Making a Difference, a Mississippi-based company known for its innovative approach to steel production and supply chain solutions. The groundbreaking took place at the newly cut Infrastructure Way, off Lumley Road, within Rainbow City’s emerging industrial park — a location quickly gaining momentum as one of the region’s most promising hubs for business expansion.
A Day of Celebration and Vision
The ceremony opened with Philip Hall, President and CEO of the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, who welcomed guests and dignitaries to the site. Hall introduced Trent Thrasher of Trent Thrasher Construction, the firm leading the build of the new facility. Thrasher recognized the efforts of his construction team, noting that they are currently managing 90 active projects across Alabama. He emphasized that Rainbow City’s new industrial park is already seeing strong interest from prospective businesses and predicted that the park would soon be filled — bringing with it significant new revenue and opportunity for the area.
Thrasher’s enthusiasm for Rainbow City’s leadership and strategic growth was evident, as he praised the local government’s proactive approach in attracting high-quality industrial partners.
Leadership and Community Partnership
Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor addressed the crowd with visible pride, reflecting on the process of bringing SMD to the city and the strong partnership that has developed throughout the journey. Taylor acknowledged that the arrival of SMD Steel represents far more than a single business investment — it stands as a symbol of collaboration and progress that will extend beyond city limits to benefit surrounding communities as well.
Mayor Taylor recognized the elected officials who have supported the effort, including State Senator Andrew Jones and State Representatives Mack Butler, Mark Gidley, and Craig Lipscomb, all of whom attended the ceremony in full delegation. He also noted the attendance of Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare and newly elected Southside Mayor Joey Statum, thanking them for their support and regional cooperation.
Taylor emphasized that the ripple effect of SMD’s investment would be wide-reaching, with new jobs expected to draw workers from across Etowah County and beyond.
Following the ceremony, Mayor Taylor was kind enough to speak with WEIS radio:
SMD’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Following Mayor Taylor’s remarks, SMD Managing Partner Sukhi Kohli took the podium, extending gratitude to the city, the Rainbow City Council, the Etowah County Commission, and the state legislative delegation for their collective assistance in making the company’s expansion a reality. Kohli also commended Trent Thrasher Construction, noting that despite holding his business partners to a high standard, Thrasher’s team had thoroughly impressed him with their professionalism and quality of work.
Kohli described the groundbreaking as just the beginning of a long-term, multi-phase development. The facility currently under construction represents Phase One of a planned four-phase project that will ultimately encompass some of the 88 acres of industrial space.
The first phase alone involves a $18 million investment, featuring a 45,000-square-foot building equipped with some of the largest processing equipment and tables in Alabama. The development will require an astonishing 9,000 dump trucks of material during site preparation. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate approximately 35 new jobs, with the number expected to grow significantly over the next five years as additional phases are completed. By the end of the project, SMD’s campus will exceed a quarter of a million square feet, representing one of the largest and most advanced steel processing operations in the state.
Kohli praised Alabama’s workforce, citing its technical skill, work ethic, and the strength of STEM education programs that have produced a pool of highly capable, workforce-ready individuals. He described the talent in the region as “incredible” and a major factor in the company’s decision to locate in Rainbow City.
A Company Rooted in Sustainability
SMD Steel’s name — Sustainability Making a Difference — is more than a slogan; it represents the company’s philosophy of environmental responsibility and operational excellence. Founded by a diverse group of industry professionals united by a shared commitment to customer care and sustainability, SMD Steel has over 100 years of combined experience in the metal and transportation sectors.
According to the company’s mission, its state-of-the-art steel processing equipment is designed with energy efficiency and environmental protection at its core. The facility will include an automated fume extraction system that safely captures smoke and particulate matter during plate burning. More than half of the company’s 35-acre operational footprint will be preserved with natural tree cover, helping to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
The site will also feature strategically placed recycling bins, encouraging employees to minimize waste and contribute to the company’s goal of carbon neutrality. SMD leadership emphasizes that every small change — from recycling practices to energy-efficient operations — contributes meaningfully toward a more sustainable planet.
Kohli underscored that the company’s waste products, including steel scrap, are recycled and resold to mills to produce American-made steel products, closing the loop in the manufacturing process. The scrap generated at the new Rainbow City facility may one day find new life as part of automobiles, buildings, or other everyday steel products — a fitting example of circular industry at work.
A Family-Focused Company with a Global Vision
Kohli took time to recognize the dedication of his team, describing SMD Steel not just as a company, but as a family united by shared purpose and values. He noted that their collective experience, innovation, and teamwork are the foundation of SMD’s success and expansion.
A Blessing for the Future
As the speeches concluded, Representative and Pastor Mark Gidley led the crowd in prayer, asking for blessings over the site, the company, and the community. The ceremonial portion then moved to the construction area, where leaders from the city, county, state, and company donned hard hats and gripped ceremonial shovels to officially turn the first earth.
The rhythmic hum of heavy machinery soon returned, echoing across the site as a symbol of the city’s forward momentum. What began as a groundbreaking ceremony ended as a renewed commitment — a shared vision between public and private partners to keep progress moving in Rainbow City.
With SMD Steel’s arrival, the sound of progress in Rainbow City has found a powerful new voice — one built on innovation, partnership, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
https://weisradio.com/2025/10/02/rainbow-city-awarded-130541-grant-to-improve-recycling-facility/
