Tuscaloosa Chemical Plant Announces $34 Million Expansion, Adding 7 Jobs

A leading producer of industrial chemical products will expand their Tuscaloosa facility and create seven new high-paying jobs.

The announcement came Wednesday afternoon from the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, whose board can approve limited tax abatements and other incentives to help draw industrial projects and other major employers to the region.

This week, the TCEDA announced that Southern Ionics will invest $34 million to expand their facility here in Tuscaloosa.

The seven new jobs created will pay an average of $45 per hour - that's over $90,000 annually.

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The TCEDA said Southern Ionics manufactures sodium bisulfite at its plant, which is used in water treatment and other industrial applications. The $34 million expansion will add production capacity, upgrade equipment, and enhance the facility's safety and efficiency.

The company could have chosen to upgrade any of several southeastern facilities, but chose Tuscaloosa County, which the TCEDA lauded as a vote of confidence in the local workforce. The plant is located on Reichhold Road in Tuscaloosa County. The project is expected to begin soon and be fully operational by the second quarter of 2027.

“When a company with operations throughout the Southeast chooses to reinvest here, it
demonstrates trust in our people and resources,” said Steven Rumsey, chair of the
TCEDA. “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. Furthermore, it reflects the kind of steady, long-term growth we strive to support.”

A Wednesday press release from the TCEDA also included quotes from leaders at the company and from across the region.

“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,” said Joe Stevens, President and COO of Southern Ionics. “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. We appreciate the partnership we’ve experienced in Tuscaloosa and look forward to continued growth.”

The TCEDA board approved a tax abatement incentive for the expansion at Southern Ionics, returning the non-educational sales and use taxes for equipment and building materials during construction and an abatement of the non-educational ad valorem property taxes. Overall, the abatements are estimated at $1.7 million.

“Southern Ionics’ expansion reminds us of the impact of existing industries on our local economy,” said Justice Smyth, TCEDA executive director. “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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