The once-secret project the Jefferson County Commission in June identified only as "Project Sunrise," was revealed today to a planned $120 million facility being built by Autocar, LLC.

The project will reuse old buildings on more than 1 million square feet on property in both Birmingham and Center Point in the currently vacant Meadowcraft Complex at the intersection of Carson Road and Highway 79.

"This project represents a significant expansion of Autocar's existing operations, which we were able to accelerate to meet our rapid growth," Autocar Chairman Andrew Taitz said. "I can tell you we conducted an extensive review of possible states and locations, and Birmingham was selected because it had the whole package. It's an attractive destination for our new facility, and for members of our management team."

Taitz said Autocar chose Birmingham because of cooperation with state and local governments, proximity to existing customers and suppliers, a skilled workforce, reliable production resources and great local educational institutions.

Autocar, founded in 1899 and based in Hagerstown, Indiana, makes concrete trucks, waste management trucks, and garbage trucks. The new plant is an expansion; it will not affect Indiana's production.

Autocar already has customers in Alabama, including Cullman, Houston and Madison Counties, as well as Waste Connections.

"In addition to jobs being created right here, Autocar coming to Alabama will also spur growth in the automotive supply segment, which is already strong in our state," Gov. Kay Ivey said at the announcement.

Work has already begun on the site, though Autocar is still ramping up hiring.

When at capacity, the facility will bring 746 jobs with an average salary of $58,000, plus benefits.

"The city's infrastructure, education system and much more will reap the benefits of Autocar's decision to produce its trucks here," Center Point Mayor Tom Henderson said.