HEFLIN, Alabama — Southwire, one of North America’s leading wire and cable manufacturers, has announced a $176 million expansion at its Cleburne County plant, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to rural Alabama’s manufacturing strength and economic growth. The project will add more than 85 new jobs and expand the facility by approximately 340,000 square feet, significantly enhancing medium-voltage cable production and modernizing operations.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said Southwire’s growth highlights the momentum building in rural communities across the state. “This expansion represents not only a significant investment in Cleburne County, but also in the hardworking men and women who call this community home,” she said. “With projects like this one, we’re showing that rural Alabama is full of opportunity – and that companies like Southwire can find long-term success right here in our state.”
The Heflin facility, originally opened in 1996 as Forte Power Systems, has seen multiple rounds of growth as the company continues to scale for future demand. This new expansion marks Southwire’s fourth major investment at the site. Construction is expected to begin late this year, with new equipment and capacity scheduled to come online in late 2027.
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair celebrated the project as a major win for both Cleburne County and the state’s economic development strategy. “This project will create high-quality jobs and provide a major economic boost to Cleburne County,” McNair said. “It’s another example of how strategic economic development efforts continue to deliver meaningful results for communities across Alabama.”
Southwire President and CEO Rich Stinson said the company’s investment reflects the massive growth ahead for the electrical industry. “The re-electrification of America will bring unprecedented opportunity for the electrical industry, and we stand ready to meet the needs that lie ahead for the markets we serve,” Stinson said. “We continue to purposely invest in modernization – across our facilities, equipment, systems, technologies and more – allowing us to best serve our customers and help power a more sustainable future.”
Southwire has invested more than $1.8 billion in modernization across its global footprint, which includes more than 9,000 employees worldwide. The company provides electrical products essential to powering homes, businesses and major infrastructure systems across North America.
The expansion in Heflin will integrate a variety of energy-efficient technologies, sustainability upgrades and advanced manufacturing features, including climate-controlled work environments and rainwater collection systems designed to promote responsible resource use.
Local officials say the investment will have a transformative impact on the community.
- Cleburne County Commission Chairman Lane Kilgore called the expansion “a powerful endorsement of the hardworking people of Cleburne County.”
- Heflin Mayor Robby Brown emphasized the value of Southwire’s longstanding partnership with the city, noting that the company has been a major driver of local prosperity for decades.
- Tanya Maloney, Director of the Cleburne County Department of Economic Development, said collaboration was key to making the project possible. “This project exemplifies what’s possible when business and government work together to support sustainable industry growth,” she said. “Southwire has been a cornerstone of our economy for years, and this new investment ensures that legacy continues well into the future.”
- Alabama’s Rural Development Manager Brenda Tuck added that the expansion is another example of the advanced manufacturing innovation taking place outside of major metro areas. “Southwire’s plans in Cleburne County show that rural Alabama is home to industry-leading innovation,” Tuck said. “The future is bright in rural communities across the state, with advanced technologies, a dedicated workforce, and community leaders who stand ready to help companies achieve their goals.”
