"These skilled workers are not only turning out world-class products, but also helping Mississippi achieve greater recognition in the automotive corridor here in the South. It is my hope that these companies will continue to grow; the state stands ready to assist in that effort," the Governor added.

Grenada Stamping and Assembly is a 258,000 square-foot manufacturing facility with capabilities that include metal stamping, roll forming, manual and robotic welding, buffing, assembly and packing. Ice Industries acquired Grenada Stamping and Assembly on March 30, 2005.

During his visit to the Grenada facility, Governor Barbour addressed Grenada Stamping and Assembly's 120 employees and local officials. He thanked the group for their hard work and dedication to the plant, which ultimately led to a strengthened local economy.

The former company saw significant financial hardship in recent years, bringing into question the plant's long-term viability. In 2004, Ice Industries assumed management of the plant and it was acquired by Ice in early 2005. During that time, Ice Industries has helped to revitalize business, including establishing relationships with Yorozu and Brown Corp.

Area leaders met with Ice Industry officials and Governor Haley Barbour Wednesday.

Here's what some of them said.