Construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie is expected to receive nearly $5.3 million in economic incentives to expand its headquarters in Birmingham, an expansion expected to create 85 jobs and yield an economic impact of $13.5 million over 20 years.
Among the largest construction firms in the United States, Brasfield & Gorrie has constructed a number of notable projects, including Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, City Walk BHAM and the Grandview Medical Center. While the company has offices across the country, it has been headquartered in Birmingham since 1964.
“Brasfield & Gorrie is a landmark business that has done much to reshape Birmingham through its high-profile projects over the years,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “It’s great to see this powerhouse company continue to deepen its roots in the city rather than selecting a larger market.”
The expansion will see the construction of a 28,500 square-foot, three-story building at its headquarters in the city’s Lakeview District, with an estimated completion date of mid-2025. The 85 jobs will be created over a period of five years, with an average annual salary of $74,000, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
According to commerce, Brasfield & Gorrie will invest nearly $19 million for the expansion. In return for its investment, the company was awarded nearly $5.3 million in economic incentives; about $2.4 million in job credits, and $2.8 million in investment credits.
Those economic incentives, however, are expected to yield a 171% return on investment over ten years, and a 213% return on investment over 20 years, per commerce’s projections.
“Birmingham has been our home since day one, and we feel strongly about investing in the community, which has supported us throughout the years,” said Jim Gorrie, CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie, in a statement.
“The city, county and state’s support have been key to our steady growth. As we continue to grow and hire across our footprint, it’s important that we invest in our people and the place we call home.”
Including the economic incentives awarded to Brasfield & Gorrie, Alabama has awarded more than $74 million in economic incentives since July 1, 2023, the date ADOC was required to start publicizing economic incentive data under the Enhancing Transparency Act.
The Birmingham Business Alliance, the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region, helped facilitate Brasfield & Gorrie’s expansion plans alongside commerce, and noted the positive effects the investment would have on the region as a whole.
“Headquarters have a multiplier effect on our local economy and signal a thriving business environment to key stakeholders, such as business leaders, site selectors and prospective talent,” said Steve Ammons, Birmingham Business Alliance President and CEO.
“Brasfield & Gorrie’s continued growth is exciting news for the Greater Birmingham Region, and our team is proud to once again support an expansion of their home base operations.”
Brasfield & Gorrie’s expansion also saw praise from Jimmie Stephens, Jefferson County Commission president, who noted the role the company had played in economic development in the county over the past several decades.
“Brasfield & Gorrie had humble beginnings in Jefferson County but is now nationally known as a leader in the construction industry and elevates our reputation across the country,” he said.
“It’s important as our community grows that we continue to support the legacy companies like Brasfield & Gorrie who literally built us. The commission is proud to support their continued growth and expansion.”