BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Z Modular, a division of Chicago-based Zekelman Industries, plans to open a 106,000-square-foot advanced production facility in Birmingham’s Valley East Industrial Park that will eventually have 100 employees, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA).

At the Alabama facility, Z Modular will produce modular units that will be shipped across the U.S. to modular construction projects. Its “plug and play” modules are suitable for uses including health care facilities, data centers, schools, hotels, and commercial offices.

Derek Henderson, vice president of operations for Z Modular, said the company chose Birmingham because of its location in the Southeast and the metro area’s pro-business attitude.

“Z Modular is a fantastic addition to the Birmingham economy and fully embodies the type of innovation that has become inherent to the region,” said Rick Davis, the BBA’s senior vice president of economic development.

‘RIPE FOR GROWTH’

Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington said Z Modular selected Birmingham over other communities in its search and welcomed the company to Alabama’s largest city.

“The quality of our workforce, the ability to serve a growing industry and our location has landed us another great company,” Carrington said.

“Our region is ripe for growth in the construction industry and for those companies that want and need to be near it,” he added.

Ogden Deaton of Graham & Company, who brokered the deal, said Z Modular will occupy the former O’Neal Steel facility at 3944 Valley East Industrial Drive in Birmingham.

Zekelman Industries includes the operating divisions of Atlas Tube, Picoma, Energex Tube, Sharon Tube, Wheatland Tube and Z Modular.