Siemens Energy plans to add 120 advanced manufacturing jobs at its Fort Payne facility as part of a more than $1 billion U.S. investment initiative, according to a joint announcement from the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority and the City of Fort Payne.
The expansion will increase production capacity at the longtime Northeast Alabama plant and is expected to strengthen the region’s role in energy-sector manufacturing.
The Fort Payne facility, which opened in 1988, currently employs about 250 workers. Officials said the added positions will support expanded production of copper and insulated electrical components used in power-generation equipment. The growth is expected to position Siemens Energy among DeKalb County’s five largest manufacturing employers based on current employment levels.
Siemens Energy President of North America Matt Neal said the company’s technology already plays a major role in U.S. power generation and demand is rising.
“Twenty-five percent of the power generated in the United States relies on Siemens Energy technology and that process starts here in Alabama. We need more electricity to fuel our daily lives and our growing economy and that has increased demand for our equipment. Throughout the country we are expanding manufacturing and hiring more workers and doing so in places like Fort Payne where we already have a great workforce, a robust pipeline of talent, and strong partnerships with the community,” Neal said.
Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the expansion reflects confidence in the state’s workforce and business climate.
“Siemens Energy’s expansion in Fort Payne is a tremendous vote of confidence in the highly skilled local workforce and underscores the strong community partnerships with business in our state,” McNair said. “We are excited to watch this new phase of growth unfold and stand ready to help the company achieve its future strategic goals and innovations.”
Brett Johnson, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, said the project strengthens the county’s industrial base.
“Existing industries like Siemens Energy are the backbone of DeKalb County’s growing economy,” Johnson said. “As a major employer, Siemens Energy’s continued reinvestment creates long-term stability, higher-wage jobs, and sustained economic growth for our communities. The work being done at the Siemens Energy manufacturing plant in Fort Payne is literally helping generate reliable power around the globe, and that is the kind of work we can all be proud to say is made right here in DeKalb County, Alabama.”
Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine said the additional jobs will have a regional ripple effect.
“These are the kinds of high-quality, advanced manufacturing jobs that strengthen families and elevate our workforce,” Baine said. “This manufacturing investment will transform the trajectories of 120 families across our region and create a wider ripple effect throughout our local economy. Investments like these create new opportunities for small businesses, workforce development, and our entire community. We welcome this investment and stand ready to support Siemens Energy throughout the process.”
Bryan Wilkin, Siemens Energy’s Director of Operations in Fort Payne, said the company plans to grow both its workforce and its community involvement.
“Siemens Energy is buzzing with excitement as we announce significant growth and investment in our Fort Payne factory. This expansion not only marks a milestone in our company’s journey but also brings a wave of new job opportunities to the area. We are thrilled to share that we will be hiring a substantial number of new employees, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our local economy and provide stability for many families. Our current employees can also rest assured that their positions remain stable and secure as we recognize and appreciate their continued hard work and dedication. In addition to these exciting developments, we are proud of our ongoing involvement in community initiatives. Our factory remains dedicated to supporting local events, charities, and projects that benefit the well-being of our neighbors. As we move forward with these plans, we invite the community to join us in celebrating this new chapter together,” Wilkin said.
Siemens Energy became an independent energy technology company after being spun off from Siemens AG in 2020 and operates more than two dozen facilities across the United States, including multiple manufacturing sites.
With the planned hiring and production increase, local leaders say the Fort Payne expansion adds to growing momentum for advanced manufacturing across Northeast Alabama.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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