Callan JMB Inc., a publicly traded cold-chain logistics company based in Spring Branch, Texas, officially launched its Atlas Complex development at the former Judson College campus Monday afternoon with a “soft opening and kickoff presentation” at 302 Bibb Street.
The event was introduced by Marion City Clerk Laura Hinton, who welcomed attendees and speakers. Remarks were delivered by Mayor Dexter Hinton, Perry County Commission Chairman Albert Turner Jr., former state senator and Callan JMB board member Gerald Dial, Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Donald Bennett of Main Street Marion and the Perry County Airport and Industrial Authority, and Callan JMB CEO Wayne D. Williams.
The event coincided with the company’s public announcement of the project through a press release describing the Atlas Complex as a medical, pharmaceutical, and logistics campus expected to bring sustained activity, long-term investment, and approximately 250–300 jobs to Marion over time.
From the stage, Williams expanded that projection, stating: “Our goal is that 500 plus people are going to be paid every day to work on this complex,” across warehousing, science, laboratory development, and facility operations.
Williams also addressed the structure of the transaction, explaining that the campus was acquired privately by members of his family and associates, and would then be leased back to Callan JMB. “As a public company it’s very hard what you can and cannot say,” he noted.
Property records filed in Perry County Probate Court show the campus was acquired by Monarch Property Management, LLC, an entity originally formed on January 7, 2026 as Judson College Properties, LLC. The company lists Wayne D. Williams, Donna Williams, Liberty Smith Duke, and James J. Chao as members, with Duke serving as the registered agent. The entity’s name was changed to Monarch Property Management on January 20, 2026, and its listed address corresponds to Callan JMB’s mailing address in Texas.
Williams framed the project as part of a broader push toward domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain resilience, citing reliance on overseas production. “When COVID happened, less than 20% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients… were even in the United States,” he said. “This complex is going to fix that.”
He identified Walker’s Pharmaceuticals, an Indian pharmaceutical company, as the first international partner committed to the Atlas Complex. According to the company, the partnership establishes the site as a U.S. platform for international and domestic collaboration.
Williams also described additional potential uses for the campus, including:
- Reviving the former equine center for medical serum production
- Converting dormitories into one- and two-bedroom apartments for international workers
- Developing clinic and childcare facilities
He emphasized that the historic character of the campus would be preserved, stating, “It’s going to look the same… but instead of library books, it’s going to be manufacturing critical pharmaceuticals.”
Williams said initial work would begin immediately, including cleaning, landscaping, and assessing building conditions.
The company also announced plans to pursue Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) subzone designation, which would allow certain duty deferrals or reductions on imported materials used in manufacturing and logistics operations. The process would require federal approval and could take several months.
Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. highlighted Troy University’s interest in partnering with the project, describing it as a potential revitalization of the former Judson campus. “Just like the phoenix… I think there’s a second life,” he said. He cited Troy’s engineering programs, research designation, and manufacturing sciences center as assets that could support the project, though no specific partnership terms were announced.
Albert Turner Jr. described the project’s origins, saying the development group initially explored Mississippi before turning to Alabama, with State Sen. Bobby Singleton suggesting Marion as a location. Turner credited Gerald Dial, Singleton, and Liberty Duke for helping bring the project to the community.
Mayor Dexter Hinton reflected on the months-long process leading up to the announcement, noting both uncertainty and persistence.
Donald Bennett emphasized the community’s role and resilience, stating: “There have been obstacles and uncertainties… This community is worth fighting for. We are just getting started.”
