FORT PAYNE — Fratco, a century-old corrugated plastic pipe manufacturer, has broken ground on a state-of-the-art production facility in Fort Payne.
The company’s expansion into the South represents a major investment in the region’s industrial base and will create approximately 50 to 60 jobs in manufacturing, logistics and administration.
“The City of Fort Payne is proud to see this project come out of the ground as we continue to diversify Fort Payne’s industrial base,” said Mayor Brian Baine. “Fratco’s location here continues our steady pace of growth of local employment opportunities.”
The project marks Fratco’s first ground-up plant in the Southeast, positioning the company to meet growing demand across the region. The decision followed an extensive multi-state site selection process, ultimately landing in DeKalb County for its skilled workforce, infrastructure advantages and exceptional community support.
“The South isn’t just growing — it’s evolving,” said Bill Champion, Fratco’s chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to become part of that transformation.”
Fratco’s leadership team noted that Fort Payne offered the ideal combination of location, logistics and partnership.
The company said it worked closely with the City of Fort Payne, the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, the state of Alabama and Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) to bring the project to fruition under Alabama’s new, competitive economic development laws.
“DeKalb County rolled out the red carpet,” Champion said. “From local officials to community leaders, everyone worked tirelessly to make this happen. It’s a perfect example of local collaboration driving regional success.”
The 42,000-square-foot facility is being custom-built to optimize efficiency, flow and scalability, officials said. The plant will initially produce single- and double-wall corrugated pipe ranging from 3 to 18 inches in diameter, with plans to expand capacity up to 48 inches in future phases.
“Fratco’s decision to put down roots in Fort Payne is another strong endorsement of Alabama’s ability to support world-class manufacturers,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This project highlights the teamwork that makes our state stand out — from local leaders in DeKalb County to our workforce partners at AIDT. Alabama is proud to welcome Fratco to our growing network of innovative manufacturers, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll make in this community for years to come.”
“Fratco choosing to locate their Southeastern manufacturing hub here reminds the world that DeKalb County is the proven place for business,” said Brett Johnson, executive director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority. “Their work will directly change the lives of many families in our region, and the ripple effect on our economy will last for generations.”
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