Published On: 05.10.22 | 

By: 4250

Cerrowire kicks off $100 million expansion project in Alabama

A rendering shows Cerrowire's planned $100 million metal-clad cable factory in Hartselle. The company already manufactures copper building wire in the city. (Cerrowire)

Cerrowire, a major U.S. manufacturer of copper building wire, has officially launched an expansion project near its Morgan County factory, where it will build a 270,000-square-foot facility to produce metal-clad (MC) cable in Alabama.

Cerrowire, which is investing more than $100 million in the project, said the new facility at the Morgan Center Business Park in Hartselle will allow it to extend its product offerings to its retail and electrical distribution partners.

The company’s plans were outlined at a ceremony that brought Cerrowire leadership, state officials and local representatives to the Hartselle site.

“We are looking forward to Hartselle being the strategic location that is a perfect fit for our major new venture and to the creation of over 130 jobs to support this growing community,” Cerrowire President Stewart Smallwood said.

“The state of Alabama, Morgan County, the Tennessee Valley Authority and city of Hartselle are excellent partners in creating an environment for our business to flourish,” Smallwood said. “Our workforce is dedicated to our growth and the production of high-quality products.”

Cerrowire is already hiring.

Cerrowire is launching an expansion project near its Morgan County factory, where it will build a 270,000-square-foot facility to produce metal-clad cable used for building construction and other applications. (Cerrowire)

Growth plans

MC cable is a metal-jacketed cable that contains insulated copper or aluminum conductors and is used for most types of commercial building construction, as well as some residential and industrial applications.

End uses of MC cable in addition to commercial building construction include data centers and hospital applications.

“It’s always great to see a company like Cerrowire launch plans to expand their operations in Alabama,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Cerrowire is a top-class manufacturer, and its growth project in Hartselle will bring high-quality jobs and expand the operation’s capabilities.

“Those are positive developments for the community and the state,” Ivey said.

Cerrowire said the new facility will incorporate advanced systems and equipment, allowing the company to further its commitment to high quality and cost control.

“Cerrowire’s significant investment in this new Alabama facility will position the company for future growth while also providing a meaningful financial boost to the Hartselle area through the creation of new jobs and opportunities,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Local impact

State Sen. Arthur Orr, who also serves as chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, said Cerrowire’s decision to locate the new manufacturing facility in Hartselle “speaks to the preparation of our workforce, the quality of life in our region and the continued strength of our economic future.”

Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long and Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison welcomed Cerrowire’s decision to invest in the community.

“Cerrowire is a phenomenal community partner and Hartselle is proud to have them,” Garrison said. “Through Hartselle City Schools, area nonprofits and various other initiatives, Cerrowire is a wonderful advocate for our community, and this new facility showcases their roots in Hartselle.”

John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development, said Cerrowire’s growth project reflects solid teamwork among several organizations.

“We are proud to partner with Morgan County Economic Development Association and Alabama Department of Commerce to help support companies like Cerrowire create job opportunities and investment in the region and celebrate this announcement together,” Bradley said.

Headquartered in Hartselle, Cerrowire is a copper wire manufacturing company with plants in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Utah. Cerrowire is a Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway company.

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