SteelFab Inc. plans to expand its structural steel facility in east Alabama with a $23.6 million project that will create 32 jobs and position the plant for future growth, according to the Randolph County Economic Development Authority.

The company, one of the nation’s leading fabricators of structural steel, selected its Roanoke plant for the expansion over sites in South Carolina and Virginia.

As part of the project, SteelFab will expand the plant’s heavy fabrication building by 40,000 square feet, add 11,000 square feet to an existing paint bay, enlarge a break room and expand the laydown yard by 10 acres. SteelFab will also purchase new machinery and equipment.

“This project will bring in revenue to Randolph County (and) the city of Roanoke, and create jobs for the people in this area. It will be a win-win for everyone,” SteelFab plant manager Joey Whaley said.

“The expansion will allow our plant to produce more volume and help manufacture heavier type of work.”

The SteelFab plant in Roanoke is set for a $23.6 million expansion increasing the size of its heavy fabrication building, a paint bay and the laydown yard. (SteelFab)

Growth plans

The expansion at the Alabama facility will create 32 full-time jobs with an hourly wage of $17.50 over a two-year span, along with benefits. The expansion is expected to be complete in June 2021.

“SteelFab is a very loyal company that wants to see its people succeed,” Whaley said. “I began working as a machine operator over 20 years ago and worked my way up to becoming plant manager.

“I have no doubt that the hard-working people of this plant were one of the major factors of us being chosen for the expansion.”

Charlotte, North Carolina-based SteelFab opened its Roanoke facility in 1997, and its workforce today numbers 175.

Steel from the Randolph County facility has been used to help construct many landmark structures, including the Georgia Aquarium and the Daytona International Speedway grandstands, along with high-rise buildings, hospitals and power plants.

Roanoke Mayor Jill Hicks said the SteelFab expansion is a positive development for the community and “will improve the quality of life for many of our citizens.”

Randolph County EDA Director Bryant Whaley said the SteelFab expansion project has been in the works for more than a year.

“This expansion proves that Randolph County is not only a great place to live and raise a family, but it has become a place people want to work,” he said.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.