Steel manufacturer OMCO Solar is opening a new production facility in Huntsville creating 70 jobs, Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced Monday.
“I’m proud that this great company, dedicated to manufacturing its products in America, has decided to expand its presence in Alabama and create additional career opportunities in Huntsville,” McNair said in a written statement.
Due to an increase in solar installations across the country, OMCO plans to invest nearly $10 million into their second manufacturing plant in the state, following a Talladega location. The company is leasing space in the Huntsville West Industrial Park in Limestone County.
“We are thankful to the state of Alabama and their approach to business with tax incentives that line up with our commitment to support domestic manufacturing, create U.S. jobs, and provide factory-direct solutions that solve for the complexity of utility-scale solar projects,” CEO of OMCO Solar Gary Schuster said.
Opening last month, the Huntsville location has 30 full-time employees and plans to be fully operational in the third quarter.
“We are confident OMCO will see tremendous success in Huntsville, much like the dozens of new and existing industries that have chosen us for their new home,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We look forward to providing OMCO the long-term support that Huntsville is known to deliver.”
The facility will supply to solar module manufacturer First Solar, which is building a $1.1 billion north Alabama facility.
“OMCO is strategically located to support First Solar Inc, which located in Lawrence County in 2022,” president and CEO of the Hunstville/Madison County Chamber Chip Cherry said. “This is a win for the U.S., Alabama and the green-energy economy.”