Sen. Sessions tours rebuilt Wrangler plant in Hackleburg - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Sen. Sessions tours rebuilt Wrangler plant in Hackleburg

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The outside of the rebuilt VF Jeanswear Wrangler distribution center in Hackleburg. Source: Karen Church The outside of the rebuilt VF Jeanswear Wrangler distribution center in Hackleburg. Source: Karen Church
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HACKLEBURG, AL (WBRC) -

Another business is on the road to recovery in the Marion County town of Hackleburg.

Wednesday, Senator Jeff Sessions toured the VF Jeanswear Wrangler distribution center, which was wiped out in the April 27 tornadoes. The plant sits on a hill, and on April 27, 2011 it became a field of twisted metal and jeans in only a matter of seconds.

Before the tornado, the Wrangler plant was by far the town's biggest employer with 150 employees. Without it, Hackleburg faced a bleak future.

The state contributed $31 million to bring the plant back, and Hackleburg added $200,000 to that amount. When the new plant reopens in May, it will employ 200 people.

"They made a commitment to come here. They were assisted by all the local governments, and it was really important to me. I really felt and I know a lot of us felt that it was important that this plant come back here, psychologically and economically," Sen. Sessions said.

A total of 18 people were killed in the Hackleburg tornado, including one person who died inside the plant.

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