On Tuesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that Sunbelt Solomon Services plans to open a new facility in Coffee County to repair and recycle electrical transformers. Sunbelt Solomona is one of the world’s largest providers of commercial and industrial electrical distribution equipment.
The Kansas-based company will invest over $5 million in the facility in Elba, creating 50 jobs initially, with more to come as the operation grow.
“Sunbelt Solomon is a welcome addition to Alabama’s dynamic business community,” said Gov. Ivey. “The company has made a great choice by locating this new operation in Coffee County, and I know the hard-working people of Elba will help make it a long-lasting success. This is just another reminder that Sweet Home Alabama is a top state for business.”
Sunbelt Solomon will base its operation in an existing building at 2450 Industrial Boulevard in Elba, where it will install manufacturing equipment and outfit its office. The facility will officially open its doors for business in June.
“Elba is the first greenfield facility we’ve built in several years, reaffirming our strategy of getting closer to our customer base while developing the human capital wherever we operate,” said CEO Gus Cedeño. “Sunbelt Solomon is excited to provide new, well-paying jobs and career paths to the Elba community while continuing the growth and expansion of our business.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Sunbelt Solomon has over 100 years of combined experience and takes pride in providing comprehensive solutions for utility, industrial, and commercial applications. The company has experience in transformers, regulators, recycling, reclosers, field service, and oil processing. Their latest announcement is an exciting expansion for the Elba plant in Coffee County and is the first greenfield facility Sunbelt Solomon has added to its portfolio in several years.”
“We are committed to an excellent customer experience, and expanding our footprint in Alabama brings us closer to many of our valuable customers, increasing our ability to provide fast and dependable services,” Cedeño added.
The new job will pay from $18 to $37 an hour. The average salary range for roles offered at Sunbelt Solomon’s new facility is anticipated to be 45% higher than the annual salary range for existing manufacturing roles in Coffee County, according to the Alabama Department of Labor.
Sunbelt Solomon also offers its employees a competitive suite of benefits, including health care coverage, annual incentive compensation, and opportunities for advancement.
The company’s growth project is expected to boost Elba economically. The city’s population has declined since 1970, and today, the Southeast Alabama city has just 3,379 residents.
Greg Canfield is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Growing companies like Sunbelt Solomon are discovering that Alabama offers abundant opportunities that will help them expand the scope of their operations,” said Sec. Canfield. “I look forward to seeing Sunbelt Solomon put down roots in Elba and watching this operation thrive.”
Jesse Quillen is the executive director of the Wiregrass Economic Development Corp.
“The new jobs, new capital investment, and new energy provided by Sunbelt Solomon are all incredibly important and attractive for Elba citizens; but, I believe the most important and welcome attribute that Sunbelt Solomon brings to Elba is its tremendous corporate culture, as exhibited throughout this process,” said Quillen. “Sunbelt Solomon’s corporate culture will be a perfect fit in Elba.”
Tom Maddox is the Mayor of Elba.
“On behalf of the citizens of Elba, we are thrilled to have a new corporate citizen in Sunbelt Solomon,” Maddox said. “The investment and jobs that will be provided bring a great deal of energy and excitement to our community.”
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