Aquatic Leisure Technologies Group (ALT), one of Australia’s largest and most innovative fiberglass swimming pool manufacturers, has announced plans to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Opp. The project represents a major milestone in the company’s North American expansion and will bring new, advanced manufacturing capabilities to Covington County.
The new 56,000-square-foot facility, located on a 22-acre site, will serve as the U.S. manufacturing home for Aqua Technics Pools — ALT’s flagship brand recognized globally for its design, technology and performance. Aqua Technics Pools was recently named SPASA Australian Business of the Year, further solidifying its place as a leader in the global swimming pool industry.
Governor Kay Ivey welcomed the company’s decision to invest in Alabama. “We are thrilled to welcome Aquatic Leisure Technologies to Opp, Alabama. Their decision to build here underscores the strength of our state’s pro-business climate, our talented workforce and our commitment to fostering world-class manufacturing. This facility will not only create quality jobs, but it will also help boost the local economy in Covington County. That’s what ‘Made in Alabama’ is all about — innovation, investment and opportunity for all.”
Since entering the U.S. market in 2018, ALT has supplied American distributors and dealers directly from its Australian facilities. The Opp location will allow the company to localize production, shorten delivery timelines and support its rapidly expanding network across the country.
“Establishing a manufacturing presence in the United States is a natural progression for our business,” said ALT President Lynley Papineau. “After two years of searching for the right property and the right community to call home, Opp, Alabama provides the ideal location — offering a strong local workforce, supportive community and excellent infrastructure that will help to facilitate our long-term vision for growth.”
The facility will produce ALT’s premium Aqua Technics Pools using the company’s patented PoolColourGuard® and Graphene Nano-Tech® technologies. These innovations deliver exceptional durability, color retention and structural performance — key differentiators that have positioned Aqua Technics Pools among the world’s top fiberglass pool products.
Initial production is expected to begin in early 2026. The project will create new employment opportunities as ALT builds and trains a U.S.-based manufacturing team. In the near term, specialists from Australia will support commissioning, facility setup, and technology transfer to ensure the operation meets ALT’s global standards.
Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair said ALT’s choice of Alabama reinforces the state’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. “Aquatic Leisure Technologies’ investment in Opp is a powerful testament to the value of strategic economic development in Alabama. By localizing production here, ALT is reinforcing our position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, while also supporting our Catalyst vision for long-term growth. We are proud to support this landmark project, which will bring jobs, advanced technology and stronger capacity for our state’s manufacturing ecosystem.”
Papineau expressed gratitude for the collaboration that helped bring the project to fruition. “We are deeply appreciative of the backing provided by the State of Alabama, particularly the Department of Commerce, AIDT as well as the City of Opp and the Covington County Economic Development Commission,” she said. “Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in bringing this project to life.”
“We are committed to investing in American manufacturing and contributing to the region’s economic development,” Papineau added. “In 2026, we will be celebrating our 50th year as a family business, and we are incredibly excited to be able to offer more families our world-class pools to create lasting memories.”
Local officials said the new ALT facility is an exciting milestone for the region and the result of teamwork among city and county leaders.
“This announcement reflects what is possible when local and state partners work together,” said Opp Mayor Chance McCurley. “We are excited to welcome Aquatic Leisure Technologies to Opp and look forward to the new opportunities and long-term growth this project will bring to our community.”
Covington County Commission Chairman Michael Smith said ALT’s decision shows that industrial prospects recognize the talent and dedication of the local workforce.
“The people of Covington County are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work,” Smith said “We want to represent the standard for manufacturing. We have had a long history in that sector, and we are thankful it is still current and part of our future.”
And the new jobs with an innovative, global manufacturer like ALT will have a significant economic impact, said Jacob Morgan, president of the Covington County Economic Development Commission.
“These are the type of jobs that truly help families. This is a great win for Opp and for all of Covington County,” Morgan said.