Florida engraving company moves to Mansfield

Engrave-A-Crete Inc. began renovating the 89,000-square-foot former Tobin Hamilton Shoe Co. building about two weeks ago and plans to begin operations in July, according to Engrave-A-Crete founder Darrel Adamson. It will serve as a second location for the business, which manufacturers and distributes concrete-engraving equipment and trains people in starting their own engraving companies.

The city owns the building, but Adamson has entered a lease-purchase agreement to purchase it for an undisclosed price. Mansfield City Clerk Shelia Matlock also would not give the sale price.

Adamson currently is meeting with architects to design the facility’s new look – a renovation that could cost as much as $2 million, he said. Another $500,000 to $1 million would be spent on equipment.

Within three years, Adamson expects to employ about 30 workers in positions ranging from Web design to accounting to factory operations. Access to a qualified work force in Mansfield was a major draw for Adamson, who spent his early childhood there.

“We cannot find employees in Florida anymore,” he said. “The employment rate is so low and expenses are so high. We come here, and we find things quite easily. It’s refreshing.”

Adamson also was attracted to the city because of its central location in the country, which will cut shipping costs dramatically.

Engrave-A-Crete’s move to Mansfield already is creating a buzz in the community, Adamson said, and there are talks of bringing motels and restaurants to the area for the visitors the company brings. He also has approached the city about redeveloping its town square, located a half mile from Engrave-A-Crete.

“When my customers come here, I want them to have a really good experience,” he said. “We’re kind of stirring up the economy in all different manners.”