An international plastics supplier has filed a lawsuit against Walker County, alleging local officials failed to honor an agreement tied to the company’s expansion plans.
Audia Group claims it was initially attracted to Walker County by assurances that it could purchase adjacent property to expand its manufacturing operations. The company ultimately invested about $90 million to build a facility at the Walker County Business Park, creating nearly 125 jobs.
According to the lawsuit, the agreement included an exclusive option for Audia Group to purchase nearby land for a nominal cost and required county officials to prepare the site for development. The preparation was to include grading, stormwater management, rail infrastructure and a foundation suitable for truck docks.
The company alleges that when it attempted to exercise its option, Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority declined to sell the property or make it construction-ready, despite the terms outlined in the agreement.
As a result, Audia Group pursued an alternative expansion in Kentucky, where it invested more than $100 million in a new facility that created about 100 jobs.
The lawsuit seeks to compel Walker County to transfer the property and complete the required site preparation. It also requests compensation for costs associated with preparing a separate location for expansion.
County officials have declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Audia Group, founded in 1950, operates globally with more than 10 manufacturing sites and over 1,000 employees across North America and Europe.
The company’s existing facility in Walker County has previously drawn concerns from nearby residents in Noble over noise, increased traffic and light pollution.