OPELIKA, Alabama – Hanwha Cimarron LLC, a maker of carbon fiber-wrapped, high-pressure storage tanks, formally launched a $130 million project today to construct a manufacturing plant in Opelika that will employ 261 people.
Hanwha Cimarron broke ground this morning on the facility, located in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.
“At Hanwha Cimarron, we’re excited about what the future holds for us,” CEO David Jeon said. “Today, we break ground for our new manufacturing facility to be located here in Opelika.
“This new facility will continue our company’s growth in the carbon overwrap pressure vessel industry, catering to the needs of aerospace, drone, defense, marine, rail, on-vehicle, gas transport and ground storage solutions,” he added.
Hanwha Cimarron is working with AIDT, Alabama primary workforce development agency, to fill leadership positions for the facility.
General hiring is expected to begin in spring 2022, with an emphasis on job candidates with strong backgrounds in production/manufacturing and experience in machine operations.
“I am thrilled to see Hanwha Cimarron bring this exciting new venture to Alabama and create good-paying jobs for the hard-working citizens of Opelika,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
“Our partnership with Hanwha Cimarron starts symbolically today with a groundbreaking ceremony, but I know that this relationship will grow and thrive in the future as the company puts down roots in Sweet Home Alabama.”
Mayor Gary Fuller applauded the company’s decision to invest in the east Alabama city.
“We’re honored to welcome yet another world-class company to Opelika,” he said.
GROWTH POTENTIAL
In December 2020, South Korea-based Hanwha Solutions Corp. acquired Huntsville’s Cimarron Composites as part of a strategic expansion into the hydrogen energy business.
Cimarron, founded in 2008 by a former NASA researcher, produced tanks for rockets. Its products also have potential implications for hydrogen-powered automobiles and charging stations.
In August, Hanwha Cimarron signed a $260 million, 10-year contract from Texas-based Sunbelt Services for storage tanks for compressed natural gas.
“Hanwha Cimmaron will find the skilled workforce and the support it needs to build a high-performance operation in Opelika,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Working together, I know that we will be able to find all the ingredients that will allow the company’s new manufacturing facility to thrive and grow in the future,” he added.
