With the official reopening of the Globe Specialty Metals plant on Friday, and the hiring of 90 more people to work in the 24-hour operated plant, the company has made a statement that it is confident in Selma’s step toward recovery in light of the recent recession.

The plant produces more than 27,000 tons of metallurgical grade silicon and silicon ferro-alloys annually, supplying to manufacturers of aluminum, electronics, solar panels, silicon chemicals, the auto industry, ductile iron foundries and concrete products.

“Globe Selma is back on its feet and standing tall,” said Jeff Bradley, chief executive officer at Globe Specialty Metals. “We look forward to a future in Selma that is bright.”

In April 2009, the company idled the Selma plant, but reopened with renovated machinery in October 2009. The plant has slowly added people to the staff as production picked back up, and now has elected to add 90 more open positions.

“The country and state have been through some tough times and this year is going to be tough too,” Bradley said. “But, we are going to keep jobs on our own soil.”

Gov. Bob Riley has been working to bring more jobs to Alabama and visited the reopening ceremony as well.

“Last year, I sat in my office and I told [Bradley] we would do anything to help you on workforce development,” Gov. Riley said. “And now they have the opportunity to produce in what I hope is a growing economy.”

Alabama houses prominent foreign automaker plants in addition to the other industrial plants.

“The people here are some of the most productive people in the country,” Gov. Riley said. “Thank you, Globe, for giving us in Alabama this great opportunity.”

Mayor George Evans also thanked Globe for choosing to reopen here.

“We are grateful that you’ve chosen to come back and reopen in Selma,” Mayor Evans said. “We appreciate that. And, I say to other business, please come to Selma. The love, hospitality and friendship here are like none else.”