Last Friday, July 19, Mayor Craig Ford welcomed Magneco/Metrel to Gadsden during a dedication and grand opening ceremony.
The company occupies 100,000 square feet of space at the former Gulf States Steel and Republic Steel industrial site in west Gadsden.
“I remember when the steel plant shut down, and it’s wonderful to look at what Magneco/Metrel has done to redevelop this build-ing and have an economic impact on Gadsden,” Ford said. “Family-owned companies and industries are critical to the local economy. Gadsden is growing, and we want to thank Magneco/Metrel for being part of that story.”
The project involved an $8 million capital investment, and when the company was originally recruited early last year, the production facility was expected to open in fall 2025.
However, several factors led to an early opening.
“Due to the excellent support from the City of Gadsden, the Industrial Development Authority and the local supplier base, we were able to open a year earlier than projected,” said Magneco/Metrel CEO Chuck Conners. “We are currently employing 20 skilled workers and look forward to continued expansion at the Gadsden plant.”
Magneco/Metrel provides refractory products for industrial clients to contain heat and corrosive materials.
The company produces MetPump, a colloidal silica bonded, monolithic refractory lining product that has applications in the iron-making, steel-making, aluminum, glass, kiln car and other industries.