On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Douglas Manufacturing Co. broke ground on a nearly $11.7 million expansion that will bring 50 new jobs to the area.

The manufacturer of conveyor components and engineered conveying solutions, will construct a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and add four production lines at its Industrial Park Drive location in Pell City.

Early last year, Douglas was acquired by Rulmeca Holdings, a worldwide supplier of idlers and pulleys for belt conveyor systems, in a transaction that positions Douglas to build on its legacy as a leading manufacturer of conveyor components.

“This is a new great day for Rulmeca. When the acquisition of Douglas was announced last year on April 20, we declared that investments would have been realized in Pell City increasing manufacturing capacity and products lines,” Fabio Ghisalberti, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Rulmeca said. “Now, just 10 months later, we are proud to keep the promise celebrating this first significant step towards a brilliant future for Douglas.

“I am pleased this takes place in Pell City, St. Clair County, where we are looking forward to contribute to the prosperity of the local community aiming to add great value to our customers thanks to a significant investment plan both in manufacturing space and high-tech equipment.”

The average annual salary for the new jobs will be about $45,000, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. The capital investment includes the building and manufacturing equipment.

“We are excited to break ground on our new idler plant, which will enable us to meet the growing demand for our idler product line and keep our customer moving ahead,” said Paul Ross, president and CEO of Douglas Manufacturing. “This project is not only an investment in our company, but also in our community. We are proud to be part of the economic growth and development of Pell City, St. Clair County and Alabama. We are grateful to our local and state leaders for their support of this significant investment by Rulmeca.”

The state of Alabama is supporting the project through incentives under the Alabama Jobs Act, while Pell City is upgrading Industrial Park Drive and extending tax abatements to the company. In addition, AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, will provide services as part of the project.

“We’re pleased that Douglas Manufacturing has chosen to expand its operation in Pell City and add 50 new jobs to its workforce,” Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. “It always sends a strong statement when companies decide to re-invest in Alabama because it means they’re finding success here.”

Construction on the new facility began in January, and the company expects to commence operations there in early 2025.

“We are excited that Douglas Manufacturing has decided to expand their footprint in Pell City,” Stan Batemon, St. Clair County Commission Chairman said. “The combination of Douglas with Rulmeca will allow for continued growth and success of the Company and we are honored to see them growing here in St. Clair County.”

Founded in 1978, Douglas Manufacturing established itself in the conveyor industry. As a member of the Rulmeca Group, Douglas is one of 18 global manufacturing and sales companies, comprised of more than 1,200 team members, with customers in more than 85 countries.