Southern Ionics Announces $34M Expansion To Tuscaloosa County Facility

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Southern Ionics announced Wednesday it will invest $34 million to expand its Tuscaloosa County facility.

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The company is a leading producer of specialty chemical products and manufactures sodium bisulfite at its Tuscaloosa site — a chemical widely used in water treatment and other industrial applications.

Company officials said the expansion, which is expected to create seven new jobs with average wages of $45 an hour, is aimed at boosting production capacity, upgrading equipment, and improving efficiency and safety at the facility on Reichhold Road.

“We’ve been proud to operate in Tuscaloosa for many years, and this expansion represents our confidence that we can continue to be successful here,” Southern Ionics President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Stevens said. “The sodium bisulfite we produce is essential to industries across the region, and this investment strengthens our operations while adding well-paying jobs that support local families.”

While Southern Ionics also operates facilities across the Southeast, leaders said the decision to reinvest in Tuscaloosa reflects confidence in the area’s workforce and business climate.

“When a company with operations throughout the Southeast chooses to reinvest here, it demonstrates trust in our people and resources,” Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) Chair Steven Rumsey said. “This expansion brings high-quality jobs and significant investment to our community, and highlights what makes Tuscaloosa special—our skilled workforce, supportive leadership, and a community that values both business success and quality of life.”

Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson also called the expansion a sign of the county’s economic and industrial strength.

“We are grateful for the continued commitment by Southern Ionics to create more high-paying, advanced jobs in our community,” he said. “Tuscaloosa County is uniquely positioned to support the growth and prosperity of companies like this.”

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with operations expected to begin by the second quarter of 2027.

TCEDA also approved a tax abatement package to support the project, which includes abatements of non-educational sales and use taxes for equipment and building materials during construction, as well as non-educational ad valorem taxes on certain real and personal property for up to 10 years.

TCEDA officials estimate the incentives are valued at about $1.7 million.

Even with the abatements, TCEDA says the expansion is projected to generate more than $830,000 in property tax revenue for education in its first 10 years.

Over 20 years, the project is expected to contribute more than $3.2 million in local and state tax revenues through the company’s operations and direct employee spending.

“Southern Ionics’ expansion reminds us of the impact of existing industries on our local economy,” TCEDA Executive Director Justice Smyth said. “Our existing businesses are the foundation of our community’s industrial base, and we appreciate the opportunity to support their growth.”

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