IDEAL ALUMINUM ANNOUNCES HEADQUARTERS RELOCATION

April 1, 2014

Ideal Aluminum Products, the leading manufacturer of aluminum fence, gates and railing, announced today that the company will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing plant to St. Augustine, Florida in St. Johns County from DeLand, Florida. Over a several year period, up to 120 jobs will be created or relocated starting later this year.

Ideal made the decision to relocate to St. Augustine after considering locations in Georgia and Florida, including up and down the northeast coast of Florida from Volusia County all the way to Duval County. Moving its plant will allow for increased manufacturing efficiencies, improved logistics, better access to Ideal’s fast growing customer base and operational savings.

Ideal co-owner Michael Siegel said, “With our continued fast growth, we have been looking for the right location to serve as a long-term solution for Ideal. This move enables us to build a world class manufacturing plant and better serve our customers.” Doug Brady, co-owner of Ideal added, “We are going to execute this relocation with as little disruption to our workforce and customers as possible. We are proud of our operations and hope that they will be enhanced in both effectiveness and efficiency by moving to St. Augustine.” As part of this move, Ideal will relocate and employ a combined workforce of greater than 120 in the first several years, and should continue to grow at an annual rate of 30% from there.

“St. Johns County is proud to welcome Ideal Aluminum Products,” said Melissa Glasgow, the County’s Director of Economic Development. “The company will become our newest major employer. Ideal expressed a desire to locate in a community that they could partner with, so I am honored that they recognized that level of interest from St. Johns County. We look forward to a long and prosperous business association,” added Glasgow.

Jay Morris, Chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, said, “We’re pleased that Ideal Aluminum Products selected St. Johns County for its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing operation. The project will provide significant economic benefit to our county through the high number of well-paying, new jobs to be created and commercial tax base to be generated, and will complement the growing number of businesses in the County. Economic development is a top priority, and this project reinforces the message that St. Johns County is committed to attracting quality companies to our area.”

Siegel and Brady acknowledged the hard work of all those involved in this effort. Siegel stated, “We owe a debt of gratitude to Melissa Glasgow and the entire St. Johns County Economic Development Team. We are also grateful to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for their partnering with us to keep this fast growing manufacturing business in Florida.” Brady reminded everyone of what a team effort this was. “We have the benefit of having the very best real estate representative in Paul Partyka from NAI Realvest. He worked tirelessly for Ideal to get us the very best location and building at a great value. We are also grateful to Mainstreet Community Bank, Florida First Capital and the U.S. Small Business Administration for stepping up to provide financing for this project.”

After renovations and construction of an entirely new state-of-the-art powder coating line, Ideal will relocate in the fourth quarter of 2014.

About Ideal Aluminum Products

Ideal Aluminum Products manufactures aluminum fence, gates and railing. Ideal is passionately committed to supplying the best quality products, at reasonable prices, with the best service in our industry. Ideal constantly exploring new trends and ideas that define the future of our industry. All products are made in the U.S.A. Visit the company’s website at www.ideal-ap.com or contact the company directly at 1-877-323-6496.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Panther: Ideal Deals, LLC, d/b/a Ideal Aluminum Products

Manufacturer of aluminum fence, gates and railing products sold in 20+ states and Caribbean for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Relocating from Deland, Florida where they were occupying leased space.

120 new jobs over several years to St. Johns County.

Job types include manufacturing (plant), finance and sales/service (office), and executive.

Average company wage of $40,000, 10% above St. Johns County’s average county wage.

Purchased a vacant 145,000 square-foot building at 3200 Parker Drive, St. Augustine 32084

Total capital investment $6.5 million: Includes property purchase and renovation, and over $2 million in new equipment.

Target opening: 4th Quarter 2014.

Florida Incentive package offered:

State Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (on 30 net-new jobs to be created)                          $ 90,000
(with $18,000 local financial support from SJC)
State Quick Response Training Grant                                                                                       $ 48,000
SJC Local Economic Development Grant                                                                                     $ 21,560
                                                                                                                                               $159,560

Interesting tidbit:
Purchased facility at 3200 Parker Drive previously occupied by Ideal Division of Stant Corporation, manufacturer of automotive exhaust hoses and clamps.

Quality of Life information about St. Johns County

Highest ranked school system in the state 2010-2013

Identified as the healthiest county in the state 2012 and 2013

Abundant natural resources including beautiful beaches

Crime rate well below the state average

Excellent array of public facilities and services

Award-winning libraries and recreational amenities

Diverse arts and culture opportunities and venues

Integrated health, social services, and medical facilities

Home of PGA Tour and several world-class sporting events

Nationally recognized higher education destination

Vibrant local economy experiencing continued growth