Manufacturer honored with national award

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
A Russellville manufactured home maker has been honored as having developed the "Best New Subdivision in the United States."
The Manufactured Housing Institute presented the award to Valley Grove Estates at its recent convention in La Vegas, Nev.
Valley Grove Estates, which was developed by Jerry James, owner of Franklin Homes, is located off Alabama 20 in Colbert County.
It is the first time that a subdivision in Alabama has received the award.
"I am extremely proud to be selected for this award," James said. "This culminates a vision that I have had for many years where site built and offsite built housing co-exist."
There are seven fully furnished homes currently in Valley Grove Estates. The homes were built by Franklin Homes and placed in the subdivision giving potential customers the opportunity to see what the products are like.
There is space available for 106 homes in the subdivision.
"Valley Grove Estates represents years of hard work and a large vision. The subdivision layout is only one of the amenities of the project, with the biggest amenity being quality at Franklin Homes and Valley Grove Estates," James said.
"Quality never costs as much as it saves."
Franklin Homes, Inc. began production in Russellville in 1969. They currently sell homes in about 20 states throughout the country.
"The association is proud of the vision and leadership Franklin Homes has shown in developing Valley Grove Estates," said Sherry Norris, executive director of the Alabama Manufactured Housing Association.
"This is the subdivision of the future and it is in Alabama today."