Creating New High-Wage Jobs
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Sept. 25, 2025) – Southern Ionics, a leading producer of specialty chemicals for water treatment and industrial applications, today announced a $34 million expansion of its Tuscaloosa County facility. The project will create seven new jobs averaging $45 an hour while expanding production capacity and adding a new product line.
Construction on the expansion, located at the company’s Reichhold Road plant, is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The upgraded facility is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2027.
“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.”
Local Incentives and Economic Impact
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) approved a competitive tax abatement package valued at approximately $1.7 million to support the expansion. 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.
Despite these abatemen ts, 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.”
Strengthening Regional Industry
Southern Ionics manufactures sodium bisulfite, a key chemical used across multiple industries, including water treatment, food processing, and paper manufacturing. The expansion will increase capacity to meet rising demand while introducing an additional production line to diversify the company’s offerings.
Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1980, Southern Ionics remains a family-owned and operated company with operations throughout the Southeast. The Tuscaloosa expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Alabama’s industrial economy and workforce.
