Epsilon Industries broke ground Friday on a more than $15 million Tuscaloosa expansion expected to add 26 jobs and significantly increase production capacity at its West Alabama manufacturing facility.

The 65,000-square-foot expansion will support the company’s continued growth and allow it to meet rising customer demand, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce and Amason and Associates, the project’s general contractor.

“Since first opening our production facility here in Tuscaloosa back in 2023, we’ve been extremely pleased with the quality of the local workforce and the support of the local business and educational communities,” Epsilon Industries President Chris Wiederick said.

“Looking forward, this expansion will have a tremendous impact on Epsilon’s ability to continue supporting the growing off-site construction needs of our customers.”

Epsilon manufactures customized, prefabricated modular utility systems for commercial and industrial customers. The company’s systems can include boilers, chillers, electrical infrastructure and other large components assembled off-site before being delivered and installed at a customer’s facility.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville joined company executives, employees and local leaders for Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said the company’s growth would produce benefits beyond the jobs created directly at the plant.

“This is just the beginning of Epsilon Industries’ growth and expansion in our community,” Maddox said. “The work being done here translates into more police officers, more firefighters, better infrastructure and greater opportunities for our community.”

The Canada-based company announced its original Tuscaloosa project in 2023, committing approximately $3 million to establish a manufacturing operation in an existing building at the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park. The initial project was expected to create 180 jobs, including positions for welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers and general laborers.

Justice Smyth, executive director of the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, called the new investment a vote of confidence in the area’s workforce and business climate.

“This investment reflects the success the company has experienced here and demonstrates that Tuscaloosa County continues to be a place where manufacturers can grow and thrive,” Smyth said.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].