Magneco/Metrel held a grand opening Friday at its Gadsden location after an $8 million renovation of the former Gulf States Steel site.
The plant was originally expected to open in fall 2025.
“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 Chuck Conners, CEO of the company. “We are currently employing 20 skilled workers and look forward to continued expansion at the Gadsden plant.”
Magneco/Metrel is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and is a “refractory manufacturer and pioneer in the development and use of colloidal bonded monolithic refractory,” according to its website.
The company’s major product is Metpump, which is used for refractory applications.
The company has manufacturing, warehousing and service centers on multiple continents, according to the website.
