Photo Courtesy of Made in Alabama
Fort Payne facility to boost generator component production amid rising U.S. power demand
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Siemens Energy will create 120 new advanced manufacturing jobs in DeKalb County as part of a sweeping $1 billion U.S. expansion strategy aimed at meeting surging electricity demand driven by data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure and industrial electrification.
The Germany-based global energy technology company will expand production of copper and insulated electrical components for generators at its Fort Payne facility, which first opened in 1988 and currently employs approximately 250 workers.
Company leaders say the expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the nation’s energy landscape.
“We need more electricity to fuel our daily lives and our growing economy, and that has increased demand for our equipment,” said Matt Neal, President of North America for Siemens Energy. “Throughout the country we are expanding manufacturing and hiring more workers and doing so in places like Fort Payne where we already have a great workforce, a robust pipeline of talent and strong partnerships within the community.”
Siemens Energy technology supports roughly one-quarter of the nation’s power generation, with key components produced in Alabama playing a role in delivering reliable electricity across the country.
Strengthening Alabama’s Energy Manufacturing Base
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the expansion reflects the state’s strong business climate and industrial support ecosystem.
“Siemens Energy’s expansion in Fort Payne is a tremendous vote of confidence in the highly-skilled local workforce and underscores the strong community partnerships with business in our state,” McNair said. “We are excited to watch this new phase of growth unfold and stand ready to help the company achieve its future strategic goals and innovations.”
Local leaders emphasized the project’s importance to regional economic stability and growth.
Brett Johnson, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, noted that existing industries remain central to the county’s momentum.
“The work being done at the Siemens Energy manufacturing plant in Fort Payne is literally helping generate reliable power around the globe, and that is the kind of work we can all be proud to say is made right here in DeKalb County,” Johnson said.
Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine added that advanced manufacturing investments create ripple effects throughout the community.
“Investments like these create new opportunities for small businesses, workforce development and our entire community,” Baine said.
Nationwide Growth Strategy
The Fort Payne project is part of Siemens Energy’s broader $1 billion U.S. investment plan, which is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs nationwide.
In addition to Alabama, expansions are planned in:
- North Carolina
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
The company also announced plans to construct a new switchgear manufacturing facility in Mississippi.
