FORT PAYNE, Alabama – Siemens Energy has announced a $1 billion U.S. expansion plan, which will mean 120 new advanced manufacturing jobs for the company’s operations in Fort Payne.
The global energy technology company, based in Germany, will expand production of copper and insulated electrical components for generators at the Alabama facility, which opened in 1988 and currently has about 250 employees. Projects also are planned in five other states.
The move comes amid an unparalleled surge in electricity demand in the U.S., due to growing data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure and next-generation industrial electrification.
A quarter of the power generated in the nation relies on Siemens Energy technology, and that process starts in Alabama, said Matt Neal, Siemens Energy’s President of North America.
“We need more electricity to fuel our daily lives and our growing economy, and that has increased demand for our equipment,” Neal said. “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 within the community.”
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the plans are evidence of the state’s pro-business climate and solid support for industry growth.
“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 existing industries like Siemens Energy are the backbone of the county’s growing economy.
“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,” he said.
The high-quality, advanced manufacturing jobs at Siemens Energy strengthen families and elevate the local workforce, said Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine.
“Investments like these create new opportunities for small businesses, workforce development and our entire community,” he said.
As part of its $1 billion expansion plan, Siemens Energy will create more than 1,500 jobs in the U.S. Along with Fort Payne, expansions are slated for facilities in North Carolina, New York, Texas and Florida. A new switchgear plant will be built in Mississippi.
