Hardwoods Inc. of Alabama has purchased a 50,000-square-foot distribution center in Shelby West Industrial Park, with plans to add up to 25,000 square feet to create separate warehouse and showroom space.

"We really wanted to be closer to Birmingham so we can cater to the architects, building supply and cabinet makers that we supply," said Paul Harris, chief financial officer of Atlanta Wood Products Center, the parent company.

Hardwoods plans to employ 28 this year after the facility opens in April and likely will add more in the years to come, he said. Harris said Hardwoods liked the site because access to Interstate 65 made it easy to ship products. It's also a good location for a showroom to attract customers.

Hardwoods is working with Brasfield and Gorrie on the building's expansion.

The new distribution center will join three others the company has in Georgia to ship more than 50 kinds of lumber, plywood and veneer. Other products include molding, custom architectural panels and 200 colors of Nevamar-brand laminate.

The company, which operates a small facility in Thorsby, was formed in 1952 in Georgia. It has lumber yards, molding mills and an export division that ships around the world products from more than 30 Appalachian sawmills.

"We are pleased to welcome this successful forest products company to Alabama's fastest growing county," said James Dedes, executive director of the Shelby County Economic & Industrial Development Authority. "With over 50 years in the lumber business, including distribution and export activities, Hardwoods is a welcomed addition to our expanding family of new companies in Shelby County."

Dedes said the industrial park now has 12 sites developed. Of the 18 remaining sites, two are under contract, he said. Ogden Deaton and Sonny Culp of Graham & Co. brokered the sale of the building and its 10 acres to Hardwoods for $2.5 million. The building was owned by a fund set up by Founders Investment Banking LLC and leased to Handoff Wireless, which recently closed.