(Associated Press) North Vernon Industry Corp. announced that Cullman Casting Corp. will build a 350,000 square-foot plant in Cullman, Ala., that will employ 300 people over the next three years. The plant, which is scheduled to open in December 2005, will manufacture gray iron castings for heavy industrial use. The company is making an initial investment of $60 million, and site work should start sometime in January. Company Vice President Jack Bodi said nearby Wallace State Community College, technical educational programs and the strong public school system played an important role in determining whether qualified people would be available. Bodi will relocate to Cullman as vice president of operations. Up to five people could also relocate from Indiana, but the remaining work force should be recruited locally.