North American wire and cable manufacturer Southwire has unveiled plans for a $176 million expansion at its facility in Cleburne County, Alabama, reinforcing the role of rural manufacturing hubs in supporting the country’s growing energy infrastructure needs.
The project will significantly enhance medium-voltage cable production while further modernizing operations at the company’s Heflin site. As part of the expansion, Southwire expects to create more than 85 new jobs and add approximately 340,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey described Southwire’s continued investment in Heflin as a strong signal of economic momentum in rural communities. She noted that the expansion represents a commitment not only to Cleburne County, but also to the local workforce, demonstrating that rural Alabama offers long-term growth opportunities for advanced manufacturers.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the project highlights the strength of the partnership between Southwire and the state. According to McNair, the expansion will deliver high-quality employment and provide a substantial economic boost to the region, reflecting the impact of targeted economic development strategies.
This marks Southwire’s fourth expansion at the Heflin plant, which originally opened in 1996 as Forte Power Systems. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with new equipment and additional production capacity expected to come online by late 2027.
Southwire President and CEO Rich Stinson said the investment positions the company to meet rising electricity demand driven by the re-electrification of the U.S. economy. He emphasized that ongoing modernization across facilities, equipment, and technologies enables Southwire to better serve customers while supporting a more sustainable energy future.
Across its global footprint, Southwire has invested more than $1.8 billion in modernization initiatives and employs around 9,000 people worldwide. The Heflin upgrades will incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainability improvements, and enhanced working environments, including climate-controlled spaces and rainwater collection systems to promote responsible resource use.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, highlighting its importance for the community’s long-term prosperity. Officials from Cleburne County and the City of Heflin pointed to Southwire’s longstanding presence as a cornerstone of the local economy, while state representatives emphasized that the project underscores rural Alabama’s capacity to host industry-leading innovation and advanced manufacturing growth.
