Southern Ionics expands Tuscaloosa facility, boosting sulfur chemicals capacity and adding sodium metabisulfite production to reduce North America’s reliance on imports.
Southern Ionics Incorporated has unveiled plans to significantly expand its sulfur chemicals production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The company intends to invest in increasing production capacity, upgrading plant infrastructure, and introducing new product lines, most notably the production of sodium metabisulfite. This strategic move underscores Southern Ionics’ commitment to strengthening its chemical manufacturing capabilities and supporting industries that rely heavily on sulfur-based products.
Joe Stevens, President and Chief Operating Officer of Southern Ionics, emphasized the importance of this expansion in a recent statement. “We are pleased to make this investment and look forward to growing our business at Tuscaloosa,” he said. He highlighted that the sulfur chemicals business plays a vital role in industries that contribute to essential everyday functions, including municipal water and wastewater treatment, pulp and paper production, and various chemical manufacturing processes.
The decision to add sodium metabisulfite production at the Tuscaloosa site marks a significant milestone for the company. Sodium metabisulfite is a versatile chemical with applications in food preservation, animal feed, pharmaceutical production, and broader chemical manufacturing. According to Stevens, the North American market currently faces a shortage in domestic production capacity for sodium metabisulfite. This gap forces many users to depend on imported materials to meet their operational needs. By expanding its Tuscaloosa operations, Southern Ionics aims to provide a reliable, locally produced supply to the North American market, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing supply chain resilience.
The Tuscaloosa facility, located on Reichold Road in Tuscaloosa County, has been in operation since 1994 and remains a cornerstone of Southern Ionics’ chemical production network. The new investment reflects the company’s confidence in both the plant’s operational strengths and its strategic location. Stevens noted that the site is ideally suited for efficiently manufacturing sodium metabisulfite to serve customers across North America.
Construction on the new project is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Once completed, the upgrades are expected not only to boost output but also to reinforce Southern Ionics’ ability to meet growing demand across multiple industries. The expansion demonstrates the company’s broader vision of aligning production capacity with evolving market requirements while continuing to invest in sustainable, high-quality solutions.
With this initiative, Southern Ionics is positioning itself as a leading supplier of sulfur-based chemicals in the region. By adding sodium metabisulfite production to its portfolio, the company is ensuring it can better support critical applications across food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. This investment signals both a growth opportunity and a firm commitment to serving its customers with reliable domestic production capabilities.
