Ask anyone who earns his living in economic development and he’ll tell you: With rare exceptions, growth of an existing industry is the best kind of development in a community.

And that makes this week’s announcement that SaeHaeSung will more than double its Andalusia operation even sweeter. The city council on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding with SaeHaeSung Alabama in which the city agreed to build a 72,000 square foot manufacturing facility which it will lease to the company in a lease-purchase agreement. The company, a Hyundai supplier who recently got a contract with Kia, will install an additional $10 million worth of equipment and hire 150 more employees over the next two years.

The operation will be expanded from a welding and shipping operation to include a stamping operation.

As the Great Recession lingers in our nation, this week’s announcement is yet another bright spot in the local economy. Congratulations to Mayor Earl Johnson and the city employees who have worked with SaeHaeSung owner Mr. In-Tae Heo to make this long-discussed expansion a reality.