When Hackleburg residents received the news Monday that the Wrangler distribution center would rebuild in the tornado ravaged Marion County town, a collective sigh of relief could be heard across the region.

Northwest Alabama residents, many of which live here in Franklin County, have relied on the Wrangler plant for their livelihood for years. The plant had faced tough times through the years, but Hackleburg clung to the site as a rallying point for the town.

Monday’s announcement was the end result of a great deal of hard work by local, county and state officials who made it a top priority to make sure the region once again had a thriving plant in Hackleburg.

Their hard work paid off we applaud their efforts and embrace the families who now know once again where their jobs will be.

It is a good day in northwest Alabama knowing that at least 200 men and women will be able to return to work.