Georgia-based Chart Industries, a leading maker of equipment used in the clean energy and industrial gas markets, plans a $2.5 million investment in an expansion project that will create 94 jobs at its Alabama facility, according to the Mobile Area Chamber.

The project is expected to more than double the manufacturing capacity of hydrogen transport trailers at the Theodore facility and introduce the capability of producing hydrogen bulk storage tanks at the Mobile County site.

Jill Evanko is CEO of Georgia-based Chart Industries. (contributed)

“The Mobile community is a great place for us to expand our business, in part due to the accessibility of the Port of Mobile, but, more importantly, the highly skilled talent that we are eager to add to the Chart family,” Chart CEO and President Jill Evanko said.

In October 2020, Chart purchased the hydrogen trailer and cryogenic trailer business of Worthington Industries, which operated the Theodore site. Chart’s new investment will improve the existing facility, construct a new building and purchase needed equipment.

“Chart is another example of a company that sees value in our area workforce and the community’s logistical assets that include the Port of Mobile,” said David Rodgers, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

“Our manufacturing sector continues to grow and prosper in our community.”

Growth plans

Evanko said Chart will add 94 jobs over two years at the Theodore facility while retaining 41 jobs.

“The city of Mobile is proud to support the expansion of Chart Industries to bring 94 new jobs to the area and double their capacity in Mobile,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “This investment by the company will have a significant impact on the local economy by diversifying our manufacturing industry and supporting local vendors. Congratulations to Chart Industries on this important step toward many years of success here in Mobile.”

Hydrogen is widely used today in petroleum refining, technology and fertilizer production, while it is taking on a greater role with fuel cells for distribution centers for companies like Walmart and Amazon.

“When a business downsizes or vacates an area, there is a negative the community has to adjust to,” said Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt. “So, I am relieved and thrilled that Chart Industries purchased the industrial products portion of Worthington Industries in Theodore.”

Chart is a publicly traded company based in Ball Ground, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. It was named one of Fortune’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies in 2020 and has customers on six continents. The Theodore location is its only site in Alabama.

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