Southwire plans $176 million expansion at manufacturing plant in east Alabama

Southwire, a wire and cable manufacturer, has announced it will be investing $176 million to invest the company’s operations in Heflin.

The investment is expected to add roughly 340,000 square feet of space to its current location + create more than 85 new jobs in the area.

“Southwire’s continued growth in Heflin is proof that great things are happening in rural Alabama. This expansion represents not only a significant investment in Cleburne County but also in the hardworking men and women who call this community home. With projects like this one, we’re showing that rural Alabama is full of opportunity — and that companies like Southwire can find long-term success right here in our state.”

Gov. Kay Ivey

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 with equipment and capacity coming online in late 2027.

“We are thrilled that Southwire has chosen to expand its operations in Heflin. Southwire’s nearly 30-year presence in Cleburne County has cultivated a strong and meaningful partnership with our community, contributing to economic growth and prosperity for many families who call Heflin home. This expansion brings new jobs and even greater opportunity to Heflin and the broader Cleburne County area. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the Southwire team as this exciting project comes to life.”

Robby Brown, Heflin mayor

Southwire in Heflin

Southwire’s Heflin Plant, which opened in 1996 as Forte Power Systems, was built to support medium and high voltage cable production. This will be the fourth expansion made to the plant.

Upgrades to the Heflin Plant are expected to enhance state-of-the-art medium voltage cable production at the site.

In addition to capacity and production expansion, the facility design includes comfort cooling and other efforts to provide a modernized team member experience as well as sustainability enhancements like a rainwater collection tank for designated facility operations.  

“The re-electrification of America will bring unprecedented opportunity for the electrical industry, and we stand ready to meet the needs that lie ahead for the markets we serve. We continue to purposely invest in modernization – across our facilities, equipment, systems, technologies and more – allowing us to best serve our customers and help power a more sustainable future.”

Rich Stinson, Southwire’s President and CEO 

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