Southwire to expand its manufacturing plant in Florence creating 120 jobs
Southwire, one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers, announced plans on Friday for an expansion of its manufacturing campus in Florence. The effort is expected to increase production capacity by 30% and create approximately 120 jobs. “At Southwire, we’re making a multi-year investment of more than a billion dollars to integrate newer and better equipment, systems, and technology into our operations to increase efficiency,” said Southwire President and CEO Rich Stinson. Stinson said the expansion will, “Enhance competitiveness and ensure the operational capability and capacity to support our strategic growth. The Florence expansion is a testament to those efforts.” Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Southwire’s commitment to long-term growth is evident with its latest expansion announcement. The Shoals location investment, which focuses on commercial and residential building wire production, will add 120 jobs to its current total of 625+. A productive, welcoming environment in which companies choose to re-invest in existing buildings, employees, and the local community is a testament to partnerships between the public and private sector and a framework conducive for business.” Southwire also has a facility in Heflin and an Alabama statewide workforce exceeding 625. Greg Canfield is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Southwire’s investment project will create good-paying jobs in Florence while also enhancing the facility’s competitiveness and solidifying its future in the community,” said Sec. Canfield. “Southwire is a world-class company and a great corporate partner at the state and local level. We’re thrilled to see them grow and thrive in the Shoals area.” The Southwire Florence Plant was acquired from Essex in 2006 to support the company’s production of commercial and residential building wire. The 300,000-square-foot campus has grown over time, and this expansion will include approximately 340,000 square feet of added space for new equipment. Norman Adkins is the president of Wire and Cable and the COO. “Southwire is committed to remain generationally sustainable for the next 100 years and beyond and be an employer of choice,” said President Adkins. “We look forward to the growth opportunities that this expansion will bring to our company.” The expansion not only increases operating space and new equipment but will include renovations to the existing building to enhance the team member experience, including locker rooms, training space, and an outdoor picnic and activity area. “This investment will allow us to better service our customers safely and efficiently, and the Florence team and I are very excited about the expansion and what it means for the future,” said Brian Davis, plant manager. “This expansion speaks volumes about the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our team members, and we look forward to the opportunities that this expansion will bring.” The investments and upgrades will effectively streamline Southwire’s commercial and residential building wire efforts, complement existing products and emphasize the facility’s culture and labor pool. Construction at the Florence campus is expected to begin this quarter and should be completed in 2025. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
