Work starts at site of possible new factory in Poplar Bluff

A site plan has been approved by the city planning department for a 125,000 square foot building on South 11th Street, which could be the location of a new factory in the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park.

The plan was submitted last week and dirt work has already started at the location, under the direction of Zoellner Construction of Perryville, according to planning department officials.

It could be a few more weeks before any additional announcements are made concerning the name or other details about the proposed industrial customer, according to city manager Mark Massingham.

Poplar Bluff City Council members voted 6-0 Tuesday during their regular meeting to approve the transfer of additional property from the city to Poplar Bluff Industries for the possible new company. Council member at-large Ron Black was absent.

With a total lot of just over 2 acres, the site now includes more than twice as much property as originally requested from the city in August.

The property was transferred from Municipal Utilities. The location was being held for a future substation, but enough property remains for the utility, according to Bill Bach, utilities general manager.

The city is also working to secure nearly $1 million in state Community Development Block Grant money because of the new business. The grant money would pay for 85 percent of the expense to replace the South 11th Street bridge and do other nearby road improvements.

No announcements can be made about the possible company until the end of the CDBG process, which could be in February, Massingham has said.