Following a story MHProNews posted July 29, 2014 regarding the opening of Southern Energy Homes’ (SEHomes) new 176,000 square foot facility in Russellville, Alabama, the new plant was dedicated Aug. 8 and attended by AL Gov. Robert Bentley, along with Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Sen. Roger Bedford and U. S. Representative Robert Aderholt. The cutting-edge operation was selected by Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) to build three homes, each with a different level of energy efficiency, for a 15-month test of energy performance. The goal is to evaluate the cost versus efficiency ratio to determine the economic feasibility of each, as MHProNews understands.

The gathering included Samuel Rashkin, chief architect for the Department of Energy (DOE), who honored Clayton for building the country’s first Zero Energy Ready Home, according to franklincountytimes.com.  Rep. Aderholt said, noting he expects to see growth in rural Alabama, said, “Manufactured housing as an industry has seen some tough times, but it is good to see Clayton Homes do something like this and follow through. Governor Bentley has been committed to rural Alabama and this is the end product of that dedication.” Russellville’s Mayor David Grissom said, “Southern Energy Homes is a great addition to our team of businesses and industries who are all working together to make our city even better in the future.” SEHomes is a subsidiary of Clayton Homes.##

(Image credit: Clayton Homes)