Allied Mineral Products, Inc. broke ground on an $11 million expansion in Pell City last week.

“This is a key to Allied’s strategic growth,” said Allied Mineral Products President Paul Jamison. “We like to serve our customers and this location provides that opportunity.”

Thirty employees from their current location in Anniston will be relocating to Pell City after the completion of the new facility, which according to Jamison should be completed and running full production by December 2019.

“With the acquisition of Riverside Refractories, Inc. we have a strong facility in Alabama to launch more product opportunities,” said William Carmean, Corporate Vice President Affiliated Operations. “This felt like the place to be.”

Allied acquired Riverside Refractories, Inc. in September 2017 from the Morris family who established themselves in the industry more than 60 years ago. With the previous addition of Pryor Giggey, Co. in Anniston, Allied is expanding their products and manufacturing presence in the Southeast.

Currently, Allied Minerals, Inc. has 12 manufacturing facilities in eight countries including China and Russia. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, they were founded more than 50 years ago and have continued to grow, becoming a leading producer of monolithic refractory products.

Along with Allied Mineral Products, Inc. officials and employees, local leaders also attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the location on Truss Ferry Road.

“You had other options but you saw something special in Pell City,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “We have great community partners and we are glad to add you to the list. Pell City gets more special and we are seeing a great investment. We look forward to growing together.”