Southern Ionics, a producer of specialty chemicals for water treatment and industrial applications, recently announced a $34 million expansion of its Tuscaloosa County facility to expand production capacity and add a new product line. The expansion, to start in Q4 2025 and expected to be complete by Q2 2027, also will create seven new jobs.
“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.”
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) approved a competitive tax abatement package valued at approximately $1.7 million to support the expansion, reports Expansion Solutions Magazine. Incentives include the abatement of non-educational sales and use taxes during construction, as well as non-educational ad valorem taxes on eligible real and personal property for up to 10 years.
The project is expected to generate more than $830,000 in property tax revenue for education within its first decade of operations. Over 20 years, TCEDA estimates the project will contribute $3.2 million in combined tax revenue from company operations and direct employee spending.
“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 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.”